Wanna Get Away? Yes its an ad for Southwest Airlines, but it is also the desire of each of us to get away from the hustle and bustle to find some peace. The writer of this Psalm longed to get away from the bustling world to meet God inside his dwelling place, his holy Temple. We can meet God anywhere, at any time. But we know that going into a church building can help us step aside from the busy mainstream of life so we can quietly meditate and pray. We find joy and strength not only in the prayers, music, lessons, and sermons but also in fellowshipping with other believers in a special place.
This Psalm was written by “The Sons of Korah” who were worship leaders in the nation of Israel. A “gittith” was a stringed musical instrument similar to our guitar. Psalm 84 is a worship song that ushers heartfelt praise to the Lord God Almighty.
The word selah means “to stop and think.” Life today is fast-paced, electronic-driven, and stress-filled. Slowing down (practicing solitude) seems foreign and unrealistic to many people. Isolation remains a dangerous position in the Christian life. Solitude follows in Jesus’ footsteps and deepens a believer’s walk with God. Psalm 84 invites God’s people to stop and think three times.
In this Psalm we see that, God is ….
1. My Security (vs, 1-4)
In his opening statement, the psalmist said “The dwelling place” or “place where God is, is lovely.” God’s presence brings security, peace, contentment and meaning to a tired soul. Although God doesn’t live today in manmade buildings (Acts 7:47-50), we still show special reverence toward buildings dedicated to Him. We can worship God anytime and anywhere, but special places and stated rituals are important in structuring our worship experience. The important thing is that we have a heart devoted to the Lord, a spiritual “appetite” that cries out for nourishing fellowship with the Lord (Matt. 5:6). The psalmist cried out for God with his entire being. He envied the birds that were permitted to nest in the temple courts, near the altar, as well as the priests and Levites who lived and worked in the sacred precincts (v. 4). The birds found rest and constant security in the presence of the Lord. How easy it is for us to take for granted the privilege of worshiping “the living God” a privilege purchased for us on the cross.
God is also…
2. My Strength (vs. 5-8)
Though he had to remain at home, the psalmist’s heart was set on pilgrimage, and the very map to Jerusalem was written on that heart. His love for God and His house helped him make right decisions in life so that he did not go astray.
God uses people who rest in His strength and rely on His Spirit. During times of adversity and storms, God is present. He doesn’t abandon or forsake His sons and daughters.
The pilgrimage to the Temple passed through the barren “Valley of Weeping.” No specific valley has been identified. The “weeping” may have been a symbolic reference to the times of struggles and tears through which people must pass on their way to meet God. Growing strong in God’s presence is often preceded by a journey through barren places in our lives. The person who loves to spend time with God will see his or her adversity as an opportunity to experience God’s faithfulness even more deeply. If you are walking through your own Valley of Weeping today, be sure your pilgrimage leads toward God, not away from him.
Also, God is my…
3. My Supplier (vs 9-12)
A “shield” is a symbol of both the Lord, His presence and salvation (Psalm 3:3; 7:10; 18:2, 30; Gen. 15:1)
God does not promise to give us everything we think is good, but he will not withhold what is permanently good. He will give us the means to walk along his paths, but we must do the walking. When we obey him, he will not hold anything back that will help us serve him.
The enemy tempts believers to fall for the lie that wealth and luxury are the goals of the quest of life. God’s people are to live for Him, not themselves. Therefore, those who trust in the Lord are blessed, not burdened.
He says, “A day in Your courts is better than a thousand days anywhere else.” I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness,” and that’s what the sons of Korah were — doorkeepers. He says,” I would rather have my job than to be a rich man living far from God.” Is contentment a present reality for us? Is intimacy a description of our walk with Jesus? Are we willing to trust in God for our peace? Contentment, intimacy, and trust are hallmarks of the abundant life that Jesus promised (John 10:10). Allow the Lord to show us that a day in His court is better than a thousand elsewhere.
Message Audio/Video and Outline: https://upwards.church/watch-now/leander-campus-videos
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YouVersion (https://www.bible.com/organizations/370f8a6e-16bc-464f-8c43-0b7623fd2952)
Sources:
Life Application Study Bible, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 1988), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 933-934.
Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary – Wisdom and Poetry, (Colorado Springs, CO: Victor, 2004), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 242-244.
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