August 28, 2024

Peace Looks Different Than We Think

Psalm 84

Jeff Ward
Wednesday's Devo

August 28, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

August 28, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

August 28, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

August 28, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 84:12

O LORD of hosts,
blessed is the one who trusts in you!

Psalm 84

My Soul Longs for the Courts of the LORD

To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. 1 84:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term A Psalm of the Sons of Korah.

1  How lovely is your dwelling place,
    O LORD of hosts!
2  My soul longs, yes, faints
    for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and flesh sing for joy
    to the living God.

3  Even the sparrow finds a home,
    and the swallow a nest for herself,
    where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O LORD of hosts,
    my King and my God.
4  Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
    ever singing your praise! Selah

5  Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
    in whose heart are the highways to Zion. 2 84:5 Hebrew lacks to Zion
6  As they go through the Valley of Baca
    they make it a place of springs;
    the early rain also covers it with pools.
7  They go from strength to strength;
    each one appears before God in Zion.

8  O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer;
    give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah
9  Behold our shield, O God;
    look on the face of your anointed!

10  For a day in your courts is better
    than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
    than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11  For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
    the LORD bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold
    from those who walk uprightly.
12  O LORD of hosts,
    blessed is the one who trusts in you!

Footnotes

[1] 84:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term
[2] 84:5 Hebrew lacks to Zion
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Psalms Fact #42: Blessed

Fact: Blessed

The word blessed (84:4, 5, 12, etc.) refers to someone who has received—or who will receive—something good from the Lord. It is not just a temporary feeling of happiness but a state of well-being in relationship to God.

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 84:1–4 The song opens by describing God’s house, the central sanctuary in Jerusalem. It is lovely and delightful, because it is the Lord’s dwelling place. This is why the faithful soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD. This is where the worshiper actually meets the living God—no wonder his heart and flesh sing for joy. The marvel is that God’s house is a welcoming place. If even the sparrow finds a home there, and the swallow too, then the humble and faithful Israelite need not fear that God will turn him away.

Study Notes
Psalms Fact #42: Blessed

Fact: Blessed

The word blessed (84:4, 5, 12, etc.) refers to someone who has received—or who will receive—something good from the Lord. It is not just a temporary feeling of happiness but a state of well-being in relationship to God.

Study Notes

Ps. 84:5–9 Those who make the journey to Zion to worship are blessed. Their strength is in God, to sustain them on the way. The highways are in their hearts, which probably means that they actually want to go. Pilgrimage was required (Deut. 16:16), but it should never become mechanical or burdensome.

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 84. This is a psalm celebrating pilgrimage to Jerusalem to worship at the temple. It is very much like the hymns in praise of Zion as God’s special place (e.g., Psalm 122), although this one especially focuses on the delight of going to worship there. The purpose of singing this psalm is to cultivate that delight, to open the eyes and hearts of God’s people to the privilege of being a welcome guest in God’s own house. Wickedness offers no reward that can even remotely compare to the joy and pleasure of God’s house. The psalm has three parts, and in each part people are called “blessed” (84:4, 5, 12).

Ps. 84:10–12 The final section describes the person who trusts in the Lord. He sincerely prefers one day in God’s courts to a thousand anywhere else. He prefers even the lowest task of service in the house of my God to any gain he might have if he were to dwell in the tents of wickedness. The chief good thing, in this psalm, is to be welcomed in the temple. The faithful can enjoy other things only to the degree that they express the life of the upright. Such people are blessed indeed!

Psalms Fact #42: Blessed

Fact: Blessed

The word blessed (84:4, 5, 12, etc.) refers to someone who has received—or who will receive—something good from the Lord. It is not just a temporary feeling of happiness but a state of well-being in relationship to God.

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Dive Deeper | Psalm 84

What does peace look like for you?

Some time ago, I heard a story about a wealthy man who called three artists together and gave them a simple request, "I want you to paint a picture titled Peace." The artists went away and came back some months later with their paintings. One painted a serene landscape with a calm lake and mountains behind it. The second painted an image of a farmer resting in the shade of a haystack. The third artist painted a chaotic giant waterfall. Over the top of the cliff was a branch, with a mother bird in her nest caring for her chicks, and this, the wealthy man said, was the truest depiction of peace.

The Sons of Korah wrote this psalm and were the temple "doorkeepers." The psalmists wanted to be in the presence of God, where one day was better than a thousand elsewhere. They saw the smallest of birds building nests in the rafters of the temple and compared them to people who find their rest and peace in God's presence. They beautifully remind us of God's presence and the blessing of finding our strength in Him. God is our sun (the source of light, heat, and energy) and our shield (protecting us—unphased, unsurprised, secure, and steadfast).

I must admit that I too often base my personal peace on my finances, the length of my "to do" list at work, or my health. I can be insensitive, impatient, and angry when things go sideways. But God tells us that His peace comes, not once the trouble has subsided, but in the midst of it (John 14:27). In a world full of pain, sorrow, and trouble, God promises rest. If you have placed your faith and trust in Jesus, then today you can have a heavenly peace. Our peace comes because we know the end of the story and that we can trust God not only with our salvation, but with our circumstances. He is our sun and our shield.

This month's memory verse

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

– Joshua 1:9

Discussion Questions

1. Does your soul really "yearn" for the presence of the Lord? Does your heart and flesh (your desires and passions, your energy and efforts) reflect a single desire to love, abide, and treasure the Lord? If you asked your family or co-workers what is most important to you, what would they say? (Psalm 84:2)

2. If you were asked to paint a portrait of Peace what would you paint? Do the words "ever praising" mark you? (Psalm 84:3-4)

3. Does your "strength" come from your skills, money, education, history of success, or does it come from the Lord? What kinds of "blessings" are promised to that person? Do you find yourself getting stronger in your faith and trust? (Psalm 84:5-7)

4. When do you find it difficult to believe that the Lord hears your prayers? Why do you think the psalmists describe the Lord as the "God of Jacob"? (Psalm 84:8-9)

5. How do you remind yourself that a day in God's presence and service is worth more "than a thousand elsewhere"? Do we trust the Father with our circumstances, recognizing that He loves us and is working all things for our good and His glory? (Psalm 84:10-12)

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MS

Michael Scaman

Big key change. After 7 pleas for deliverance, here are 2 psalms on peace as if written in the midst of conflict on psalms 84-85. In a musical composition key changes are important. They highlight import points. Here in psalm 84 another sweet song of the vineyard Some see the gittith is a psalm of the vineyard. Some think it’s a special musical instrument David brought back from his time in Gath. There are 3 gittith psalms and they are all sweet: psalms 8, 81, 84. Top down Gods dwelling place is lovely I find joy there There is room in his house. The temple The righteous have a highway to his house in their hearts and have strength The doorkeepers in his house have a good life We moved from God's dwelling place to the entrance. After a plea about 10 enemies in psalm 83. 2 psalms of hope: Psalm 84. Peace in the presence of God Psalm 85. An expectant plea for future grace A big promise: No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. In the midst of book 3 filled with troubles like the fall of Jerusalem there is a path to favor and good. On that sun and shield: Samson means sun and shield. God is far greater than Samson. Psalm 84:11 in the Bible says, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless"
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Jeff. Enjoyed your deeper dive this morning and this resonated with me. “They (the sons of Korah) beautifully remind us of God's presence and the blessing of finding our strength in Him.” For a day in your courts is better     than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God     than dwell in the tents of wickedness. Then Korah assembled all the congregation against them at the entrance of the tent of meeting. And the glory of the Lord appeared to all the congregation. Numbers 16:19  So they got away from the dwelling of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. And Dathan and Abiram came out and stood at the door of their tents, together with their wives, their sons, and their little ones. Numbers 16:27 Picking up Moses’ speech at verse 30. ***”But if the Lord creates something new,*** and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into Sheol, then you shall know that these men have despised the Lord.” The LORD creates something new in Numbers. We know how the story goes. But it’s not the last word for Korah and his whole household. The sons of Korah are re-newed in Psalm 84. Earlier they were doing some leading at the entrance to the tabernacle. They now lead at the entrance of the temple. Their story mirrors Israel’s story. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. 1 Samuel 8:7-8 If you’re not keeping up with Israel and their story the significance of this line could be missed. Even the sparrow finds a home,     and the swallow a nest for herself,     where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts,     my ***King and my God.*** God doesn’t abandon his people to the state they are in at 1 Samuel 8. God doesn’t abandon the house Korah to state they are in at the entrance of the tabernacle in Numbers 16. Transition and renewal Numbers 16, to 1 Samuel 8, to Psalm 84.
LG

Linda Green

Answer to Q#1- YES to longing for Heaven! This passage goes so beautifully with John 14:1-3 “ Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
SF

Shawn Foster

Jeff, once again you nailed it. Wonderful Psalm & devotional. Clear, concise & compelling. Only thing to add is a big big Thank you for serving. I’m so impressed and grateful for a church that has an external focus as effective as ours. Sixteen years is a significant portion of your days on earth. Thank you and Grace to you in the years ahead. HAGWOW my friend(s).
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Sue Bohlin

Hi Jeff, and BLESS YOU for serving at Watermark as long as you did! I hope you enjoy your new role in your new job. So glad there *are* honest lawyers in the world! I love verse 11, that God is a sun and shield, with the amazing promise that He withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly. (Which means that if He DOES withhold something we want, it's not good for us.) I discovered that calling God a shield came first from God's own statement to Abraham in Genesis 15:1, "I am your shield." When I pray for protection, I always ask the Lord to wrap the person in spiritual bubble wrap, which is a kind of shield. But now when I pray that, my understanding of what I'm asking will be greatly expanded as I realize God promises to BE the "bubble wrap." It doesn't get any better than that!
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

Jeff, good morning from a mother bird raising chicks over a rising waterfall. What a Beautiful, realistic vision of peace you shared. Thank you for the way you serve people who need to find peace in their circumstances, the peace that only comes from walking with Christ. I totally missed verse 84:3 until you pointed it out. The God given image to the Sons of Korah, Gods creation in his temple, in his presence finding protection and provision to live their life. Wow! Q1. My soul can tend to yearn for the things that make me feel temporary peace: a grasp on my budget, a clean home, peaceful playing children, a feeling of physical rest. All of these things are fleeting and pale in comparison to the everlasting peace the Lord wants to give me as I set my mind on things of him, not of this world. Colossians 1:1-2.
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Michael Scaman

I liked you images of paintings Jeff Ward. There were many Ward's involved in Camp Berea in NH I wonder if you're a distant relative?
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Amy Lowther

1. Yes, the Lord is always helping me learn something new and good. Yes, I include the Lord in my life every chance I can or I learn what the Lord wants me to do in life every chance I can. They would say making money, getting work done, doing good things, and everybody feels valued in the entire experience because it is what God prefers. 2. I would paint a portrait of Jesus. Yes, because the Lord does great things and there are people in the world doing great things too. They all deserve praise. 3. The Lord helps me have strength to do things everyday. Zero, because blessings are privileges and never guaranteed. Yes, because stress keeps decreasing and energy/good health is continually increasing. 4. If I don’t read in the Bible or attend church much, it is difficult to believe the Lord hears my prayers. The Lord is described as God of Jacob because it is a reminder that the Lord loves and supports everyone. 5. I have several reminders. I read in the Bible and attend church on Sundays. I serve for the church. And I apply what I learn from all of it in daily life. I can trust the Lord in all circumstances because “He loves us and is working all things for our good and His glory”. Jeff - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make a great point in saying, “God is our sun (the source of light, heat, and energy) and our shield (protecting us—unphased, unsurprised, secure, and steadfast)”. May we all appreciate this.