Psalm 84

The book of Psalms is a great book of wisdom, discernment, and prayers. Psalm 84 is a passage that I was reading recently and felt that it needed to be shared as it has impacted my life and given me peace. As you dive into Psalm 84, I pray that whoever may be reading this would hear the voice of God and be impacted to apply this to your life.

As we begin to dive into Psalm 84, let me give you some background context to this. Psalm 84 is known to be a pilgrimage Psalm meaning this was sung as a praise by those who were traveling to Jerusalem to worship. These journeys often came with hardships as travelers would move through the wilderness and great distances in order to reach Jerusalem. While David is the author of many of the Psalms, this Psalm is particularly authored by the sons of Korah.

(Side Note) In Numbers 16-17, those passages talk about Korah and how he led a revolt against Moses and Aaron.

Psalm 84[a]

For the director of music. According to gittith.[b] Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.

1 How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! (Lean back and rest on Jesus) 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord. my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (I want to seek and know the character of God. To live like Jesus in all I do.) 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. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.[c]

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. (I will praise you for you are good and your sacrificial love is everlasting.) 6 As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs. the autumn rains also cover it with pools.[d] 7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.

8 Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty; listen to me, God of Jacob. (God hears my prayers.) 9 Look on our shield, [e] O God. look with favor on your anointed one.

10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. (God, I seek and yearn to be in Heaven with you one day!) 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. (This is just a piece of the character of God!)

12 Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you. (God Blesses.)

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the truth in your word. I pray that this passage would reflect on who you are and allow others to know the character of who you are. I ask that you speak through this Psalm and that anyone who reads this would hear your words and not mine for they are from you. Would you continue to speak through your word giving discernment, wisdom, and peace. Thank you for your everlasting love.

Amen