Praising Scripture - Dec 10

Introduction...

12/10 Psalm 84:1-12 Praise God’s Kingdom/God’s Dwelling Place
To the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath.A Psalm of the sons of Korah.
（Memorization Scripture: vv. 1-4）

1 How lovely is Your tabernacle,
O Lord of hosts!
2 My soul longs, yes, even faints
For the courts of the Lord;
My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a home,
And the swallow a nest for herself,
Where she may lay her young—
Even Your altars, O Lord of hosts,
My King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in Your house;
They will still be praising You. Selah
5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in You,
Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
They make it a spring;
The rain also covers it with pools.
7 They go from strength to strength;
Each one appears before God in Zion.
8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
Give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah
9 O God, behold our shield,
And look upon the face of Your anointed.
10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly.
12 O Lord of hosts,
Blessed is the man who trusts in You!




[Sharing]
Christians love to sing this precious psalm that speaks being in God’s presence. However it was written by the descendents of people (the sons of Korah) who once were far from God. This is a powerful testimony to God’s amazing grace. Through all of the shame and sorrow they experienced and through God’s chastening, the Korahites learned to respond and serve God in a new, positive way. They found the presence of God so precious that they could sincerely proclaim to God, “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (v. 10)

They came before God with such a humble attitude. Acknowledging their lowly state by comparing themselves with sparrows and swallows. They gave thanks because such a mighty and holy God would allow sparrows and swallows to make a home in His holy altar. It is this that leads the psalmist to burst forth in praise, “Blessed are those who dwell in Your house”. (v. 4)

May we too, so eagerly long to be in His presence. How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, even faints. For the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (vv.1-2)