Psalm
84 was
written for the choir director on the Gittith, an obscure Hebrew term that very
likely refers to a musical instrument or a musical cue. It suggests the mood to
which the Psalm was to be performed. The sons of Korah were the descendants
of Levi through Kohath. For a more detailed account of these musicians and
gatekeepers in the temple of Jerusalem refer to 1 Chronicles 9:17-32. There is
a feeling of jubilation in this Psalm. It portrays the emotion of a pilgrim
making his way to the temple in Jerusalem. It tells us of the blessedness of
three groups of people. Verses 1-4 talk about the blessedness of those who
dwell in the temple; verses 5-7 announce the blessedness of those who come to
the temple; and verses 8-12 tell of the blessedness of all who place their
trust in the Lord.
The first
four verses describe a yearning for God’s presence, a peaceful place where one
could dwell securely. It’s a place where believers would find great joyful delight
and peace. It would certainly be a blessed experience to camp there in His
presence. Verses 5-7 than went on to describe the journey there. The word “Baca”
in verse 6 refers to a shrub that thrives in the arid atmosphere of the desert.
Pilgrims traveling to the
city of God would have to go through the valley of Baca. It is a symbol of
tough time or suffering. Yet the pilgrims endure it, learning to rejoice over
them. It speaks of determinedly enduring the tough time in the spiritual journey.
It speaks of the need to turn those tough moments into moments of rejoicing in
the Lord. As people on a journey with God, we
will encounter tough experiences, much like going through “the valleys of Baca.”
Emulating the resilient pilgrims, we must stay focused and move on resolutely,
turning suffering into joyful occasions of trust. In those tough moments we learn to lean on God. In Him we will
find added strength and grace for the journey. And as we grow in His grace we
become complete in Him.
Verse 8 teaches us to pray as we journey there. Once
we enter His presence, we will experience total blessedness. We will discover
that a day in His presence is better than a thousand
elsewhere. Being a door keeper there, is better than being a king in the house
of the wicked. Why? Because in God’s presence, He Himself will be our sun and
shield, meaning He will be our light and our defender at the same time. There
we will enjoy His grace and glory, and He will withhold no good things from us
who love Him.
It is a great blessing when God is our
everlasting dwelling place. The journey we undertake to be there to experience
more of God may be paved with obstacles. But we must joyfully scale them all.
He will give us strength and grace on the journey. Once we are there, we will
certainly enjoy the everlasting blessedness of peace and joy. Then we will
realize that everything we give to attain it, is worth it all. It is a journey
worth taking. Let’s do it!
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