Longing for the Courts of the Lord: this is the first post in our study of Psalm 84 called, Greatly Blessed: Dwelling With God.
Maybe it’s because I haven’t been to church in weeks and weeks (because of the coronavirus restrictions)… but I look at the words in Psalm 84 with a new insight.
How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!
My soul longs for, yes faints for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. (Psalm 84:1-2)
Psalm 84 is a beautiful psalm, indeed! It was written by (or maybe for) the Sons of Korah. They had several menial jobs of temple service, but were also doorkeepers in the house of God (as we’ll discover later in this very psalm). Because they were constantly in the presence of God, they were filled with great joy– even while doing the mundane daily tasks their jobs required.
What an example for us!
When we live in the presence of God, we can have joy… always.
Do We Have to Be in Church to Be in God’s Presence?
The answer is no. Because Jesus sent His Holy Spirit to indwell Believers’ hearts, we Christians always have the presence of the Lord with us. The gift of God’s presence is available to any who believe in Jesus. And He will never leave us, nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) What joy!
Like the Sons of Korah, we too can identify with the words of this psalm from the perspective of always being in God’s presence.
But lately, as our community has faced so many restrictions in order to prevent virus spread, I identify in a new way– a true longing to be back in the “courts of the Lord.”
Courts of the Lord
The courts of God were important because this was the place worshippers could encounter God. No wonder they longed to be there!
But also…. of these “courts,” Barnes’ Notes on the Bible says:
The word used here refers to the different areas around the tabernacle or temple, within which many of the services of public worship were conducted, and which were frequented by different classes of persons.
In other words, an intense longing is expressed to meet with God in public worship and with public worshippers.
I’m feeling that longing! Are you?
I truly look forward to the day when “my heart and flesh sing for joy” with my Christian family “to the living God.” (Verse 2)
Until that day comes, I am happy to get the great privilege of worshipping alongside my fellow church-goers over the great gift called “the internet!” I thank God for this gift of technology that helps keep us connected. But at the same time, I look forward to the day when I can worship in person with the family of God.
Questions for Reflection:
1. How is God referred to in verses 1 and 2? What does that teach you?
2. Read Psalm 24:7-10. God is King of Kings and a battle winner. He is the Lord of Hosts. How does this relate to Psalm 84:1-2? Your current situation?
3. Do you long for the “courts of the Lord?” Praise God for this longing! Praise Him for His continual presence.
4. Read James 4:8. Seek to draw nearer to God today.
Are you “longing for the courts of the Lord?” Does something else stand out to you in this passage? Share your thoughts in the comments or in our Facebook community.
Blessings!
Ali
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