Psalm 84

Many first reactions on seeing this will be, “Psalm 84? What's that?” It doesn't ring a bell like some Psalms do, but you may know it more than you think you do: Consider these  verses:

How lovely are Thy Tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!

My soul longs, yea pants for the courts of the LORD!

The sparrow has found a house, and the swallow a nest...

They go from strength to strength...

For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand.

I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.

This has been called a song of ascent or a song of Zion, because it sounds like a Psalm that pilgrims to Jerusalem might sing as they approached that city. It made no difference what direction you came from, you were going to ascend the somewhat high hill atop which Jerusalem rested. I might call this a pilgrim psalm.

LORD of hosts – what are the “hosts”? Well, it's not one who hosts a party. Hosts can refer to angels, stars, armies, angel armies. Holman uses “Heaven's armies.” All those terms would be appropriate at times. However, here I prefer the stars as I picture pilgrims singing as they approach Jerusalem as they saw the ciy rising up before them.

The birds mentioned point out how detailed God's love and provision are. Not only for humans, but for the animals God shows concern.

Verse 5 speaks of those who set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. But such a pilgrimage involves more than approaching the house of the Lord. We still need to go on pilgrimage in our minds if nowhere else.

The word “happy” or “blessed” in verses 5-6 should, IMHO, be translated “blessed.” A happy person may or may not have something to do with the Lord. Blessed implies that we are receiving something from God and He is the source, not something we have done. Coming to church is coming to a building. Coming into the presence of the Living God is always life-changing!

“Dwell in thy house, ever praising – No, he doesn't mean having a bedroom in the educational building. Rather the Psalm is a testimony to those who live in the consciousness of the presence of God. There is a respected devotional history by various saints of God to this end, one even titled “Practicing the Presence of God.”

Whose hearts are in the highways – whatever can this mean. Remember John the Baptist? The “voice of one crying in the desert, 'prepare the way of the Lord.'” the one who praises God also opens doors and makes a path for others to follow. Verse 7 tells us how: though coming through dry and arid regions, they are able to break the drought with springs and early rain. I often find people on Facebook who are in despair. Their friends often jump in with reassurance and strength, and I think of Galatians 6: Bear one another's burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Verse 8: their strength is in God and it grows stronger and stronger. When we bless others, we automatically bless outselves. One way out of despondency and self-pity is to find someone else and help ease their burden. In so doing you are practicing His presence and sharing it – making a highway, or at least a footpath.
The award is to appear before the very presence of God!

In the Psalms and elsewhere we find a petitioner calling out for God to hear his prayers. This may be natural since we cannot see God with  our eyes. I often have heard people say, “My prayers don't get through the ceiling.” I usually tell them, “That's not necessary. God doesn't live on the roof. He's right beside you.”

Many computer programs have a “back door,” an easy way for a programmer to log back into the program and fix problems. It occurred to me a few years ago that the “image of God” includes a “back door” where God can access us any time He chooses. Don't worry about His hearing you. He will. Just talk to Him.

In v 10 God is depicted as our shield. He defends us against evil. This is one of multiple verses meant to calm our fears. As Paul said,, “If God be for us, who (or what) can stand against us?”

“I'd rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord.” I've often quoted this to the ushers and greeters. Did you know that most people decided whether to return to a church in the first 4-7 MINUTES they are there? Before they have heard the preacher or maybe sung the first song. The way they are received is extremely important. The usher may be the most important person/witness in the church! Read that again. Another vital person is the receptionist/secretary/personal assistant who answers the phone. I once had occasion to call a business office several times one month. The woman who answered the phone had such warmth thaat I felt she had been waiting all day for me to call. I said if I were to start a business there, I'd pay her 60K a year just to answer my phone! The one answering the phone is the first contact with the church (or business). What impression does your phone manners make? In 45+ years of pastoring I don't remember anyone coming back from vacation telling me about some other preacher's sermon. I do remember many comments on how well they were received by the church, whether made welcome or given a cold shoulder. What do people coming to your church feel?

The final verses sum up most of the Psalms, as a praise to God. A sun and a shield. Warmth and protection. He promises God will provide good things to those who love Him. Again, he concludes by saying those who put their faith in God will be blest by him!