Longing for God
When we read Psalm 84 we should all ask this question, “do we have the same desire to be in God’s presence?” The Old Testament Israelite had to travel to the temple in Jerusalem to worship God; but now Christ is our Temple (Jn 1:19) and we worship God through Him.
We can see the heart of the psalmist as he “longs” and “yearns” to be in the presence of the Lord (84:1). He sings for joy to the “Living God: (84:2). He expresses his envy of the birds that are privileged to make their nests on the temple and the Levites who serve continually in the house of his king and his God (84:3). Brethren, we have the wonderful privilege of being able to go into God’s presence at any time by the sacrifice of Christ Jesus (Matt 27:50-51; Heb 10:19-20).
The psalmist shifts the scene to those that are on the highways making the pilgrimage to Jerusalem to worship the Lord (84:5-8). Those that seek the Lord are never disappointed. Even though they may go through dry places in their journey, God provides blessings to strengthen them (84:6-7). Those that truly trust God in faith will not fail to find that which they seek (84:7). Brethren, God is near to those that seek Him ( Ja 4:8).
The psalmist continues with his heartfelt desire to be in the presence of His God. He would rather be one day in God’s presence, than a thousand elsewhere (84:10-11). The pleasures and comforts of this world do not allure him (84:10). Brethren, God withholds no good thing from those that walk in obedient faith. The faithful are truly blessed (84:11-12).