Trust In The Lord Series

Text: Psalm 84

Theme: House of Blessings

Introduction: Charles Spurgeon called this Psalm the Pearl of Psalms. Psalm 23 is most popular, 51 is most plaintive, 103 is most joyful, 119 is most deeply experimental, this is one of the sweetest of the Psalms of peace. Pilgrimage to the tabernacle was a glorious feature of Jewish life, and staying in the church for a day is a glorious experience (ref:christianity.com). The word, “Blessed” has used 3 times in Psalm 84 (4, 5, 12). It describes the happiness of those who are lodged like the sons of Korah round about the house of God (1 Chronicle 9:27) (ref:bible-studys.org).

Let us see the three blessedness:

Dwelling in the house of the Lord

Strengthened in the Lord, and

Trusting in the Lord

Blessed are those who dwell in thy house (Vv. 1-4)

Dwelling refers to a shelter or a house. The house or the dwelling plays a vital role in our lives as an instrument in making ourselves, creating and formation of our life courses. After all our daily tours, work, and business, we return to our own house, and it gives us immense joy while we enter our home. The reception of the beloved spouse, the smile of the children, and the joyful jump of the pets comforts us and reenergizes our body, soul, and mind.

Any house is identified, according to the indwellers, the name of the house has been established accordingly, in the street and locality. The joint family or the nuclear family reflects certain characters in the upbringings of their children and the adjustment of the household.

The personality and spiritual characters are the outcomes of household activities. The characters of patience, compassion, passion, and anger management, desires, and desire management have designed by the makeup of the family size and feel.

The building and its designs reflect the status of the family. The sound and silent atmosphere of a house during the dawn and dusk reflect their spirituality and divinity. How do they relate with one another and their neighbors?

The Psalmist describes the beauty of the house of the Lord, and the importance of dwelling in the house of the Lord. He ascribes the beauty of holiness after describing the glorious look of the Temple (Psalm 84:1), he expresses that his soul yarns for the house of the Lord, and it faints or longs for the Temple courts of the Lord. He cried out for the living God from the bottom of the heart and the flesh, and he longed for it (Psalm 84:2).

The Sparrow and swallow found a place in the altar to dwell and enjoy their lives. A sparrow is an example of a bird of insignificance, and the swallow is a picture of restlessness. Likewise, the insignificant person can find his place in the house of God, and the restless man can find his rest (nest) near God’s altar. The Lord one who was angry on the man Uzzah, who touched the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6:6-7), but now, HE allowed the birds to fly over, and enjoy their lives on the altar with the nest (Psalm 84:3).

The Lord is now so merciful to all (Psalm 65:4). The people who dwell in the House of the Lord PRAISE HIM always. Better is one day in your court than a thousand elsewhere (Psalm 84:10). The house of wicked has no rejoicing. Augustine of Hippo wrote a detailed commentary explaining, "For one day in Your courts is better than a thousand", meant one peaceful everlasting day near God is preferable to many days in the world. A doorkeeper is first in, last out. He calls people to stay with him.

Matthew 11:28-30 come and rest with me, come and see where I lodged (John 1:37-39). A day with Christ has changed the lives of Andrew and Simon Peter, they became disciples, evangelists, and alter martyrs. Few hours with Jesus had changed the life course of the Samaritan Woman, Legion, and so on. Staying with Christ molds our character, our plans, and our aims in life. Staying with Christ changes our Priorities and purposes.

The Pharisees loved synagogues provided they might have the uppermost seats there, that they might make a figure (Mt. 23:6). Tax collectors loved the temple for confession and cleansing. Whereas, the Pharisee loved the temple to accuse and self-justification(Luke 18:9-14), attitude matters.

Blessed are those whose strength is in you (Vv. 5-9)

The second part of the Psalm commences with the second blessedness. He says those who have strength in the Lord are blessed. Their strength is in the Lord, and they love to grow in the Lord, they overcome their defeats, they turn their tears into joy. The pool of tears had turned into a pond of joy and celebration (Psalm 84:5-6). They go from strength to strength till they appear in Zion (Psalm 84:7).