Psalm 84 - Your dwelling place

Read: Psalm 84 vs 1-12

When you read the Bible, in both Old and New Testaments you find God’s people living out life in a huge variety of circumstances and situations. So, for example, in the book of Philippians (a letter written from prison) the Apostle Paul wrote:

‘I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.’ (Philippians 4: 12-13).

Psalm 84 is an ‘any and every situation’ Psalm. We’re not sure where the Psalmist is as they write these words, but we know where they are not. They are not (vs 1-2) in the ‘courts of the LORD’, not in His ‘dwelling place’ the One place that they really long to be. 

These are words of a fainting heart. For a moment the writer jealously looks at a passing sparrow or swallow, who can simply fly into the Temple and nest near the altar; they would love to be able to do this!

But for now the person writing these words is passing through what is described in vs 6 as ‘the Valley of Baka’, a dry and featureless place, where one day just looks like the last day and the next day. Yet what makes the difference in this place is not the environment around them (it is lifeless) but rather the life and strength that has been planted within them, flowing from their relationship with God (vs 5). 

This person has set their heart on ‘pilgrimage’ (vs 5), a long journey, they look to God and pray that He will look to them (vs 9).

What lies ahead? The thought of even one day in God’s courts, even as a doorkeeper (vs 10) is enough to keep this traveller going. Today they are trusting in the LORD Almighty (vs 12), content, to keep going where He has planted them.

Prayer: Father thank You that You give Your strength to those who set their hearts on You. Help me to find contentment in You today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen