The House Of The Lord

How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of Heaven’s Armies. I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the LORD. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God. . . . A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!

Psalm 84:1-2, 10

IT HAD BEEN FOUR DAYS SINCE Bryan’s wife had left for a weeklong trip. At home, while his wife was away, he had to juggle work, taking care of their two small children and their dog, and all the other little things that his wife did to make the family and household run smoothly. At the beginning of the week, he was really excited for her to go on her trip. But about halfway through, he could not wait to have her back. After only a few days of her being gone, a longing was growing in Bryan’s heart to be in the presence of his wife and have her back at home.

In Psalm 84 a similar longing develops for the presence of God. In the Old Testament, the presence of God was localized in the Temple. If people wanted to experience God’s presence, they went on a journey to Jerusalem. As they traveled, their anticipation and expectation grew. Upon arriving in Jerusalem and entering into the Lord’s presence in the Temple, the heart of the sojourner would be filled with joy and happiness.

However, for Christians today, no journey is necessary to experience the joy of God’s presence. There is no leaving, no reunion. Through the Holy Spirit, God’s presence dwells in us always, never to be taken away. As Jesus said to the disciples before He left, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

BOTTOM LINE

The pleasures of God are constantly available for those who live in the presence of God.

Moment of Strength: Psalm 84