Intro: In our passage today, the psalmist along with God’s people express their joy as they ascend God’s holy mountain—Jerusalem—the City of Peace. They are making their way to the Temple so they can worship the Lord. The desire for God’s presence overwhelms them; they anticipate God’s goodness and love expressed toward them.
For the Old Testament saints, coming to the Temple is not only where they worshiped, it is how they would experience God’s presence. The journey in coming to God, was difficult and many became weary along the way, but the thought of experiencing God’s presence refreshed them, so they pressed on. Being in God’s house even one day was better than a thousand days living in a world filled with wickedness.
For New Testament believers, every day we can come boldly to God’s glorious throne and receive the mercy and grace we need (Heb 4:16). God’s presence brings great peace to our souls; we can handle life with our Helper. Let’s be real, life can be extremely difficult sometimes; even traumatic. To face those difficulties or trauma without God with us is unimaginable. In God’s presence we experience His goodness, grace, and glory; life from his perspective is unveiled before us. Our spirits are renewed and refreshed in God’s presence. He is ready to provide for us and protect us; the Lord is our Shield.
If you are feeling weary today and your soul needs refreshing, please go boldly to the throne of God, now. You do not need to remain dry or empty. God will never withhold anything good from you if your heart is seeking his righteousness [his way of being right]. Trust him and lean into his goodness.
Psalm 84:8-12 NLT
8
O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer. Listen, O God of Jacob. Interlude
9
O God, look with favor upon the king, our shield! Show favor to the one you have anointed.
10
A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
11
For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory.The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.
12
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the privilege of coming into your presence each day. We bow before your love and mercy and graciously receive the refreshing joy of the Spirit in our souls. Be glorified with how we use your grace, today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.