Psalm 84

 Psalm 84  "How lovely are Thy dwelling places, O Lord of hosts!"  This psalm is attributed to the sons of Korah.  This prominent group of singers presented this hymn of praise, revealing a heart for God.. a passion for being in the presence of their King and God.  This is the kind of song that is so personal and beautiful that we want to sing it ourselves!

The Easy translation says it this way: " I want very much to go to the Lord's temple. I very much want to be in the temple yards. With all that I am, and with great joy, I sing to you, the God who lives forever!" (v2)

Even the birds of the air, the psalmist writes, want to be near your altars.  Those who live in the temple are so blessed!  "They can praise you all the time!" 

As the people of the Lord travel from their homes.. towards Jerusalem.. to come to the temple they "become stronger as they travel, until each one meets with God is Zion."  From "strength to strength" the NASB says. 

Do we ever feel that way as we head out to church on a Sunday morning?  Perhaps our prayer needs to be more like this psalmist..  "Behold our shield, O God, and look upon the face of Thine anointed. For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."  

Lord, give us a desire to be in Your Presence.. a desire and a passion to come together in our local congregations.. to worship in harmony and unity.. to find strength in coming.. in singing.. in rejoicing in You. You are a "sun and a shield" to us.  You give us Light that overcomes the darkness of this world. You protect us and deliver us from evil.  You give "grace and glory".  You do not withhold any good things from those who walk with You.  "O Lord of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in Thee!" Father, we need You. We need to be filled with Your Spirit. We need to find that passion and longing that the psalmist wrote about.. to come to Your house as often as we can.. Lead us, Lord, in Your ways and meet us in church and all along the way,  we pray. In Jesus' precious name. Amen.