Psalm 84 - before we read, lets ask God to reveal more of Himself to us as we read. Ask Him to help us be vulnerable to what He wants to show us about Himself, about ourselves. Let's read in expectation of growing closer to Him, and indeed yearning for more of Him in our lives.
How lovely are Your tabernacles, O Lord of hosts!
My soul yearns, yes, even pines and is homesick for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out and sing for joy to the living God.
Yes, the sparrow has found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young - even Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who dwell in Your house and Your presence; they will be singing Your praises all the day long. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
Passing through the Valley of Weeping (Baca) they make it a place of springs; the early rain also fills [the pools] with blessings.
They go from strength to strength [increasing in victorious power]; each of them appears before God in Zion.
O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God to Jacob! Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
Behold our shield [the king as Your agent], O God, and look upon the face of Your anointed!
For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand [anywhere else]; I would rather be a doorkeeper and stand at the threshold in the house of my God than to dwell [at ease] in the tents of wickedness.
For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; the Lord bestows [present] grace and favour and [future] glory (honour, splendor, and heavenly bliss! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts, blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts in You [leaning and believing on You, committing all and confidently looking to You, and that without fear or misgiving]!
Now, let's read it again, meditating on the phrases the Holy Spirit quickened to you. These verses will be different for each of us. Here are some He quickened to me.
My soul yearns, yes even pines ......
Holy Spirit - Have you noticed that the more time you spend praying, reading and worshipping, the more time you want to spend with me?
Yes, the sparrow has found a house ....
Holy Spirit - Have you noticed your 'sense of belonging' growing stronger every day, the more time you spend with me?
Passing through the Valley of Weeping (Baca), they make it a place of springs ...
Holy Spirit - Remember how your life was tough, so tough, and now it is so different. That is the God's goodness and mercy in your life.
For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield
Holy Spirit - I will always protect you.
No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
Holy Spirit - this is my promise to you
O Lord of hosts, blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts in You [leaning and believing on You, committing all and confidently looking to You, and that without fear or misgiving]!
Holy Spirit - keep trusting in Me.
I pray that God has revealed more of Himself and His love for you, to you as you have read this scripture this morning. And that you have gained encouragement and strength from His word - No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
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