Desiring God
You can listen to Psalm 84 below and read the passage in the New International Version here.
“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.
Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.
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.
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.
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.
Lord Almighty,
blessed is the one who trusts in you.”
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We hope these journal starters spark reflection on the Psalms.
If you want to, you can share some of your thoughts in the comments section below. We would love to hear how God is working in your heart.
In Psalm 84, the Sons of Korah wrote about a deep desire to be in God's presence.
Take a minute to read verse two again:
My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and flesh cry out
for the living God.
Believers in Jesus long for the day when we will be in God's presence completely and see Him completely. The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:12, "Now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."
Though that day of complete "seeing" and unity is in the future, it's important to know that we can be in God's presence NOW. God is omnipresent (everywhere!) and the Holy Spirit lives inside all who put their faith in Jesus! Being in God's presence takes care of us: "For the LORD God is a sun and shield" (verse 11).
Journal Starter for Psalm 84
How do you connect or not connect with the longing (strong desire) for God expressed in this psalm? Write to God about your desire for Him.
The Sons of Korah wrote about God's "dwelling place," His "courts," His "altar," and His "house" in this psalm.
What comes to your heart and mind when you read these words? Is there one you especially connect with or don't connect with? Are these words inviting, intimidating, hopeful, inspiring, distant, close, confusing?
Take some time today to quietly be aware of God's presence with you during an ordinary part of your day. Maybe when you are eating, falling asleep, or while you exercise. You could pray silently or out loud, "I believe you are here, God. Thank You for being here."
How does being in God's presence take care of you? How is God's presence like a "sun"? How is His presence like a "shield"?
How does being aware of God's presence change you?The Sons of Korah wrote, "Blessed are those whose strength is in You/ whose hearts are set on pilgrimage."
God is called the Almighty (all-powerful) four times in the ten verses of this psalm. How can confidence in God's strength change the way you think and feel about the future?
Write/pray about what your heart most desires as you think about the future. What is your life a journey toward?
If your life is a journey to God, how does reminding yourself of this truth give you peace and freedom? How does it change the way you see your life?God's house is a place where people joyfully praise Him and are kept safe in His care. This psalm ends with the words, "LORD Almighty/ Blessed is the one who trusts in you."
Do you feel like you can freely praise God? Why or why not?
Write/pray about what your heart believes God is like. How does your heart respond when you think about praising Him?
What would it look like for you to trust God with your day today?
