MY SOUL LONGS FOR THE MANIFEST PRESENCE OF THE LORD

Transcription

1 PSALM 84 - THE WINEPRESS OF GOD I. HOW LOVELY IS YOUR DWELLING PLACE Psa. 84:1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! THE BEAUTY OF THE LOCAL CHURCH II. MY SOUL LONGS FOR YOUR COURTS Psa. 84:2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. MY SOUL LONGS FOR THE MANIFEST PRESENCE OF THE LORD

2 III. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO DWELL IN YOUR HOUSE Psa. 84:3 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. Psa. 84:4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah 1. RAISING YOUR FAMILY IN THE HOUSE OF GOD THE MISERY IN THE EYES OF THE YOUNG COUPLES AT THE BASEBALL GAME 2. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO LIVE THERE LIVING ON THE PROPERTY IV. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO FIND THEIR STRENGTH IN THE LORD Psa. 84:5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.*

3 V. FINDING JOY IN THE VALLEY OF TEARS Psa. 84:6 As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. VI. FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH Psa. 84:7 They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion. This short little verse has two powerful revelations. First, it describes the Christian walk as going from strength to strength. Our walk is a journey, a life long journey that will end in the glory of God s kingdom. Just as we go from glory to glory we also go from strength to strength. Of course this is not talking about natural human strength, this is talking about the spiritual strength that is ours in Christ. As we press on to know the Lord we are daily filled with His power. Just as Paul admonished us, Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. The Lord is causing us to grow up in Him that He might be exalted, the power of God is His testimony. The second revelation is this, our whole purpose, the destination of our journey is the presence of God. We catch glimpses of His presence in this life, this is where we experience strength to strength. But the final destination is that day we final appear before Him in heaven. Here are some thoughts from Spurgeon on this verse.

4 They go from strength to strength. So far from being wearied they gather strength as they proceed. Each individual becomes happier, each company becomes more numerous, each holy song more sweet and full. We grow as we advance if heaven be our goal. If we spend our strength in God s ways we shall find it increase. Every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. This was the end of the pilgrim s march, the centre where all met, the delight of all hearts. Not merely to be in the assembly, but to appear before God was the object of each devout Israelite. Would to God it were the sincere desire of all who in these days mingle in our religious gatherings. Unless we realize the presence of God we have done nothing; the mere gathering together is nothing worth. The day of His appearing is drawing near. No one can put the date on their calendar yet the great day draws near. This life is like a shadow compared to what s coming. The light of His glory will soon split the sky and we will find ourselves suddenly before Him. The question begging to be asked, are you prepared for that day? VII. THE FATHER BEHOLDING THE FACE OF HIS SON Psa. 84:8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah Psa. 84:9 Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed!

5 VIII. A DAY IN YOUR COURTS Psa. 84:10 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. DOORKEEPER Ambition is like a two edged sword. Left unchecked, human ambition leads to a multitude of sins. On the other hand, ambition bridled by the plans and purposes of God leads us into some powerful territory. David was a classic example. His predecessor, Saul, fell into the ditch pursuing the kingdom with human ambition. David was able to harness his ambition in all those years he was hidden away in a cave leaving his future in the hand of God. When the day arrived he was ready. He came to understand that God s ways are higher than our ways and that waiting on Him is essential in order to have God s best in our lives. Not only did David ascend to the throne in Jerusalem, he also led Israel into their greatest time of revival. He instituted 24 hour worship which was the result of years worshipping God alone in the wilderness of Judea. Here are Spurgeon s thoughts on today s verse. Under the most favorable circumstances in which earth s pleasures can be enjoyed, they are not comparable by so much as one in a thousand to the delights of the service of God. To feel his love, to rejoice in the person of the anointed Savior, to survey the promises and feel the power of the Holy Ghost in applying precious truth to the soul, is a joy which worldlings cannot understand, but which true believers are ravished with. Even a glimpse at the love of God is better than ages spent in the pleasures of sense. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. The lowest station in connection with the Lord s house is better than the highest position among the godless. Only to wait at his

6 threshold and peep within, so as to see Jesus, is bliss. To bear burdens and open doors for the Lord is more honor than to reign among the wicked. Every man has his choice, and this is ours. God s worst is better than the devil s best. Have you come to that place in your life? This cuts to the heart of human ambition, I would rather be a door keeper at church than a famous entity in the world. God s plan for your life is more rewarding than anything you can cook up on your own. IX. SUN AND SHIELD Psa. 84:11 For the LORD God is ja sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. X. BLESSING ON THOSE WHO TRUST Psa. 84:12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!

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