June 28, 2022

How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord;
My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself,
  where she may have her young—a place near your altar,
  Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
  they are ever praising you.

Psalm 84:1-4

Devotional

After all the Psalms of suffering, regret, and woe we’ve been reading recently, Psalm 84 feels refreshing. It reads like one of the hopeful Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120-134) which were traditionally spoken/sung as the Israelites made their annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This Psalm speaks of trust, submission, and longing for the nearness of God—as if the Israelites have truly learned from their mistakes and want nothing more than to return to God’s presence.
 
There is an interesting reference to walking through “the Valley of Baka” (vs 6). The word “baca” means “weeping”. But in this case, there is a sense of walking toward renewal—a promise of refreshing springs and cooling pools.
 
Many songs we know today come directly from Psalm 84:

• How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place (1865)—Johannes Brahms
  (from A German Requiem)
• His Eye Is on the Sparrow (1905)—Charles Gabriel
• How Amiable Are Thy Dwellings (1934)—Ralph Vaughan Williams
• Better Is One Day in Your Courts (2005)—Matt Redman
• Psalm 84 (I’m Home) (2021)—Shane and Shane

When I read verses 8 and 9 of this Psalm, all I can think of is Jesus saying these words:
 
Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty; listen to me, God of Jacob.
Look on our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one.
 
Surely Jesus, THE anointed one, would cling to Psalm 84. We have the promise of a home in close proximity to God—and there is nowhere we’d rather be.

For Reflection

How have you seen yourself returning to God?
 
When have you felt submission to Christ become joy?

Prayer

O Jesus, you came and died for my transgressions, for my abandonment of your Grace. Receive me into your arms again; prepare me for heaven’s joys. Today, give me a glimpse of refreshing return, and plant in me an eagerness to be with you and to show your love to others. In Christ’s name, AMEN.