Blessing and Strength
This is an audio recording of Blessing and Strength the Day 28 entry in Today: Devotions for Seafarers (Vol. 2) by Jason Zuidema.
Listen to the audio by Donielle Hart Goad or read the text below:
“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. ”
Do you feel joy when you visit church? Is talking about the Bible with crewmates or praying with other Christians on board something that motivates you?
When was the last time you felt joy and longing as you set out to worship God? Psalm 84 describes a person who "yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD" and whose heart and flesh "cry out" for the living God.
These are strong emotions. Do we need to feel that way every time we worship? Though we are not likely to approach worship in the same way every time, our relationship with God, as it grows, does draw us to desire God more and more. If we are not often eager to worship God, how can we focus our energies to enjoy, in a more profound way, meeting with our Lord in worship?
In this psalm, the writer praises the Lord Almighty for the beauty of his dwelling place. It's a place where the psalmist can find rest, praise the Lord, be strengthened, and enjoy the favor and honor of God. It is a blessing to meet together with God and his people.
Though the imagery in this psalm speaks about Israel going up to Jerusalem, it can also apply to Christians today. Worship still ought to have the adventure of a pilgrimage, with the destination being the presence of God himself. When we come together, we are not just a club or social gathering. We join to meet the Lord Almighty.
Do you feel that way when you worship God?
For Further Thought
When was the last time you worshiped God?
Is it difficult to worship God while you are on a ship?
Why is it important to remember that we come together to meet God in worship?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the blessings of your love and care. Draw me closer to you, to know you, to worship you with all my heart, by the strength of your Spirit. Amen.
