PSALM 84

CONSIDER

• Asaph described Israel’s journey as though through a desert, weak and struggling, victims of enemies leaving them destitute and dying

• He was reminded that no matter how desperate the situation, God will turn their struggling to strength

• We can experience that same strength when turning our thoughts to Him and finding ourselves in the presence of the Lord

• Our days may be filled with troubles, and our hearts may ache, yet we can know the blessedness of those whose strength lies in Him, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage

• The peace, the quiet confidence, the strength we need, are all there, available in our desert places  <R1795>

NOTES BY VERSE

Note: each ** comment in this document is listed in numerical order according to the verse(s) from this chapter

** The person singing this song recognized where the Lord lives and longs to be there with Him

Psalm 84:1-3 NIV

[1] How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! [2] My soul yearns, 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 have her young---a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God.

** Blessed are those who find their strength in the Lord for they will be upheld time and again

Psalm 84:5-7 NIV

[5] Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. [6] As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. [7] They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.

** No good thing does God withhold from those who trust and believe in Him

Psalm 84:11-12 NIV

[11] For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. [12] Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.

1 John 3:21-22 NIV

[21] Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God [22] and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.

** Jehovah is bounteous in His nature--to give is His delight. His gifts are precious beyond measure, and are as freely given as the light of the sun!

He freely gives grace in all its forms, to all His people:

• Saving grace

• Comforting grace

• Preserving grace

• Sanctifying grace

• Directing grace

• Instructing grace

• Assisting grace!

He gives grace:

• Abundantly

• Seasonably

• Constantly

• Readily

• Sovereignly!  <S185>

Psalm 84:11-12 NKJV

[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!