Psalm 84

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Psalm

Psalm 84

1 How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!
2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.
4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.
6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.
7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.
8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.
9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.
10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

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Outline

The House of Happiness
Psalm 84
By Pastor Clinton Macomber

A God's House is a Haven of Rest

1 God's tabernacle is our favorite place, Psalm 84:1

2 Our souls long for the courts, and flesh cries out to God, Psalm 84:2

3 Even the sparrow finds a safe haven near the altar, Psalm 84:3

4 Happy are those that live in God's house, who ever praise Him, Psalm 84:4

A God's House Inspires Strength

1 Happy is the one who finds strength from God, Psalm 84:5

2 Happy is the one who passing a desert, makes it a spring, Psalm 84:6

3 Happy is the one who goes from strength to strength, Psalm 84:7

4 Hear the prayer, and listen, Psalm 84:8

A God's House Is a Place of Safety

1 Notice our Shield and look at our anointed face, Psalm 84:9

2 Being a doorkeeper for God's house is better than living among the wicked, Psalm 84:10

3 God is a sun and shield, giving grace and glory, Psalm 84:11

4 Happy is the one who trusts in the God of the Armies, Psalm 84:12

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Sermon

The House of Happiness
Psalm 84
By Pastor Clinton Macomber

Children sing “Heaven is a Happy Place...” but do not really know what that means, yet the very tune and words suggests that it is a place where a person will live happily ever after.

This Psalm gets a little behind the word happy and explains what makes it the place that we long to go to live eternally. It uses the life and experience of one who could visit the Tabernacle of God, in the days before the Temple, and then offers a spiritual application that has to do with living in God's spiritual and eternal house.

A God's House is a Haven of Rest

1 God's tabernacle is our favorite place

Psalm 84:1 How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!

Amiable is to be in love with the tents of God. There is no other place to live than among people that worship God and adore Him. Living anywhere else is simply no fun.

Until we can come to the place where this is true, we will not find Heaven a happy place. For those who are on their way to life, who look back with longing to the city where they lived, as Lot's wife, there is nothing in heaven that will satisfy their lusts. The wonders of the world, the attractions of life, the constant running to and fro, the life of pride and showmanship, etc. is not welcome in Heaven. Heaven is a place where things are simple, and where honesty and truth reign. It is a place where extravagance and pretension are banned.

This is why this is a lovely place. Real Christians are simple honest hard working people. They learn to be happy with the least they can get buy with. They do not seek more than their needs. They are a responsible and concerned people. This is what makes them a joy to be among, especially as we join in chorus together in singing the anthems of praise to God.

2 Our souls long for the courts, and flesh cries out to God

Psalm 84:2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.

God watches to see where our desires lie. So many live to get drunk, or go to movies, or catch a favorite show, others live for sports, hunting, fishing, or some other hobby. God takes note.

The child of God hates being away from God's place. His emotions are strained when there cannot be a visit on Sabbaths or holy days. The body languishes and the heart becomes disheartened when we cannot get to the place of the life-giving God.

There are various things we can do to evidence our faith and heart's desire. One is to channel our thought to heaven and God during the night hours, then awake early to seek God's Word and blessing:

Isaiah 26:9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

3 Even the sparrow finds a safe haven near the altar

Psalm 84:3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.

It is a blessed thing to see those who find refuge in God and His provisions. Some would be horrified that a bird would raise their young at the place where sacrifices are offered. Yet, this was a safe place. The priests of God were men of compassion and concern. They would see that nothing harmed the bird there. The bird could rest safely knowing that her young would be warm and safe, and there would be an abundance of food.

This demonstrates how perspective can make a huge difference. While some are looking for ways to harm others, the child of God looks for the blessings that God brings and revels in them, helping whenever and wherever possible.

4 Happy are those that live in God's house, who ever praise Him

Psalm 84:4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.

Because God's house is a place of sanctuary, there is always lots of stories and things to share of God's amazing love for His people. It is also a place to see miracles and wonders happen.

This idea of sanctuary is an important concept in Scripture. If a person committed involuntary manslaughter, they would seek sanctuary in the city of the Priests, until the High Priest died. This is a very different experience than being locked in a jail with criminals. Instead, a person was among those who loved the Lord, knew of God's forgiveness, and could counsel and help the person deal with the grief of what happened. Also while they were there, they would be busy helping the families of priests in any way they could. Because they would have to live there for an indefinite period of time, it is very likely the whole family would move there and seek employment among the work of the priests. Any skills known could be a big benefit there. Since he was among those who regulate weights and balances, and served as judges or the advisers of judges, his dealings would have to be honest and honorable! Any character flaws would be worked out as well.

The Scripture mentions those that got to live at the Tabernacle. Samuel was able to grow up next to the room of the high priest. He was able to hear the voice of God, warning him that Eli's sons were evil, and the consequences that would come upon Eli and his family.

When the Lord Jesus was born, we find there was a man by the name of Simeon that lived in Jerusalem, a just and devout man, being told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he saw Christ. And the Spirit led him to the Temple, just as Jesus was being brought to be circumcised. We read:

Luke 2:28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

Then we read of Anna, a prophetess, who spend her days fasting and praying at the temple. She was about 84 years old. She likewise saw the baby Jesus:

Luke 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Can you imagine their joy, when these two different elderly people were able to be there when the baby Jesus was presented at the Temple? For all eternity they will be telling us and everyone they meet about this and many other joys of being a part of the Temple worship!

John Wesley was about 21 years of age when he went to Oxford University. He came from a Christian home, and he was gifted with a keen mind and good looks. Yet in those days he was a bit snobbish and sarcastic. One night, however, something happened that set in motion a change in Wesley's heart. While speaking with a porter, he discovered that the poor fellow had only one coat and lived in such impoverished conditions that he didn't even have a bed. Yet he was an unusually happy person, filled with gratitude to God. Wesley, being immature, thoughtlessly joked about the man's misfortunes. “And what else do you thank God for?” he said with a touch of sarcasm. The porter smiled, and in the spirit of meekness replied with joy, “I thank Him that He has given me my life and being, a heart to love Him, and above all a constant desire to serve Him!” Deeply moved, Wesley recognized that this man knew the meaning of true thankfulness. Many years later, in 1791, John Wesley lay on his deathbed at the age of 88. Those who gathered around him realized how well he had learned the lesson of praising God in every circumstance. Despite Wesley's extreme weakness, he began singing the hymn, “I'll Praise My Maker While I've Breath.” 1

 

A God's House Inspires Strength

1 Happy is the one who finds strength from God

Psalm 84:5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them .

This is an amazing thing. The weaker we are, the more God can do. The stronger we are physically, the less God will do. Happiness comes from seeing that God was able to make something of our weaknesses. We do not need to be afraid that God will discard us, just because we become sick or weak. Instead, we find that God is able to do great things for us.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

The most powerful Christians were disabled. Fanny Crosby was blind, yet she wrote many powerful hymns that still are treasured and cherished. Moses was a stutter, yet he was the most powerful man in the history of Israel. Paul talks about his physical ailments, and even had a doctor follow him, yet he endured amazing suffering. The suffering was counted a blessing, because it forced each person to rely on God to get them through the ministry He had called them to do.

2 Happy is the one who passing a desert, makes it a spring

Psalm 84:6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.

This is an amazing ability. When things appear bleak and dark, God's child can see the abundance of blessing and provision. They know they are in God's hands, and that He is able to bring them through whatever lays before them.

Baca is weeping. This is the time of suffering and darkness in the life of God's child. Even though the time seems rough and impossible to navigate, yet the experience turns into something of great blessing. The tears shed turn into pools of water that water the region and make it fruitful and of great value to all.

Psalm 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

3 Happy is the one who goes from strength to strength

Psalm 84:7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.

This is a lesson quickly learned when we exhaust ourselves and find we are unable to handle things in our own power. God gives us the strength and power we need to do the job we have to do, but only enough. After each task we must go back to God and ask for the enablement to complete the next part He has called us to do. We learn from experience that God asks us to only go from strength to strength and not to give up because we don't think we can go on. When the timing is right, He grants the strength to do it. When we try to go on in our own strength, we fail miserably. When we look at the work He calls us to do, we known we cannot handle it. This is the way it should be. God can then lead us from moment to moment, accomplishing His will, and we learn He will supply our needs, to obey Him.

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

4 Hear the prayer, and listen

Psalm 84:8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.

When we pray, we are directly accessing the God of all armies. He also is the God of the Patriarchs. We are not talking to some little government worker, who could care less about our request, but we instead have the ear and love of the creator and sustainer of all things. He not only hears our prayers, but they are recorded before His throne, and saved as precious gifts.

An example of answered prayer is recorded as follows:

Shortly after Dallas Seminary was founded in 1924, it came to the point of bankruptcy. All the creditors were going to foreclose at noon on a particular day. That morning, the founders of the school met in the president's office to pray that God would provide. In that prayer meeting was Harry Ironside. When it was his turn to pray, he prayed in his characteristically refreshing manner: “Lord, we know that the cattle on a thousand hills are thine. Please sell some of them and send us the money.” While they were praying, a tall Texan came into the business office and said, “I just sold two carloads of cattle in Fort Worth. I've been trying to make a business deal go through and it won't work, and I feel that God is compelling me to give this money to the Seminary. I don't know if you need it or not, but here's the check.” A secretary took the check and, knowing something of the financial seriousness of the hour, went to the door of the prayer meeting and timidly tapped. When she finally got a response, Dr. Lewis Chafer took the check out of her hand, and it was for the exact amount of the debt. When he looked at the signature, he recognized the name of the cattle rancher. Turning to Dr. Ironside, he said, “Harry, God sold the cattle.” 2

 

A God's House Is a Place of Safety

1 Notice our Shield and look at our anointed face

Psalm 84:9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.

There is some old Rabbinical tradition that states that David, while hiding in a cave from Saul, looked up when praying for safety, and saw a spider making a web. He realized that as we turn our eyes and hearts to God in Heaven, He in turn looks down upon us and blesses us. From this, he had the “star of David” emblazoned on his shield. Before he entered any battles, he would reflect on this important message.

God thus serves as our shield and protection in the midst of trouble. As God looks at our face, and sees our concern, He cannot but help us. He has great plans for us, and will see us through.

2 Being a doorkeeper for God's house is better than living among the wicked

Psalm 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

One day in God's courts is better than 3 years of living elsewhere. Our longing to be in the presence of God should be this precious. Any time we can spend with God, is better than years of struggle away.

The doorkeeper was the guard that had to stand and regulate those that came and went from the courtyard of the temple. He was hated by those he had to keep out and considered a bother by those he had to stop and check. He was in charge of the security of the site, and was the first to give his life to defend the sacred site. He also had to enforce the rules of the site.

Serving as a temple guard, as rough a job as it was, was still better than having to live among the wicked peoples of the world. At least you could be where you could be close to God and His people.

3 God is a sun and shield, giving grace and glory

Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

God provides bright revealing light and protects us as the same time. God not only showers us with favors but with honors as well. He will not withhold anything of benefit from us.

4 Happy is the one who trusts in the God of the Armies

Psalm 84:12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Trust in God is never misplaced, instead there is always a great deal of joy as a result.

Simply trusting ev'ry day, trusting thru a stormy way; even when my faith is small, trusting Jesus—that is all. Brightly does His Spirit shine into this poor heart of mine; while He leads I cannot fall, trusting Jesus—that is all. Singing if my way is clear, praying if the path be drear; if in danger, for Him call, trusting Jesus—that is all. Chorus: Trusting as the moments fly, trusting as the days go by; trusting Him whate'er befall, trusting Jesus—that is all. 3

1 Our Daily Bread, December 12 as recorded in 10,000 Sermon Illustrations , electronic ed. (Dallas: Biblical Studies Press, 2000).

2 M. P. Green, Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Revised edition of: The expositor's illustration file. (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1989).

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Topic Study

Heaven's Joy
Psalm 84
by Pastor Clinton Macomber

Heaven is the place of reward for enduring persecution on earth.

Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you , and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Heaven is a place of comfort to those who suffered lack on earth.

Luke 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

Heaven is where we become heirs with Christ in the inheritance of all things.

Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him , that we may be also glorified together.

Heaven is the place where we are glorified in Christ.

Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Heaven is the place where our eternal inheritance is stored.

1 Peter 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

Heaven is a place where things are done right.

2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Heaven is a place of rest from hard labor.

Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

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Quote

The Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory.
Psalm 84:11

How God suits Himself to our need! In darkness, He is a Sun; in the sultry noon, a Shield; in our earthly pilgrimage He gives grace; when the morning of heaven breaks, He will give glory. He suits Himself to every varying circumstance in life. He becomes what the exigency of the moment requires. And as the psalmist well says, He withholds no good thing from them that walk uprightly. Learn the art of extracting from God the special form of help of which you stand in need.

The Sun is the source of light and life. With impartial beneficence he scatters his beams on palace and cottage, mountain summit and lowland vale. He is ever pouring out his beams. It is our part only to stand in them, or to open casement or door. God is shining, dear heart. Get out of thyself, and sun thy shivering frame in his untiring love.

A Shield may be the shadow of a great rock in the scorching desert, or the canopy of a gourd's growth. Put God between yourself and the sirocco of temptation. Is the noon with its burning heat too much for thee? Hide in the Lord God. The heat shall not smite thee by day, nor the frost by night.

Dost thou need Grace? He is full of it. His grace is sufficient. With both hands He will give and give again; only practice the habit of taking. Grace is the bud of which Glory is the flower. If He has given this, He will not withhold that. If thou knewest the gift of God, thou wouldst be sure that Glory in germ is within thee, waiting only for the summer of Eternity to develop in perfect beauty. “We have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

Meyer, F. B. Our Daily Homily. Redding, California: Pleasant Places Press, 2004. Volume 3, page 84.

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Devotions

Monday, Psalm 84:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 2:1-3

Our motivating factor in life is getting to heaven and helping all those we can get there as well. In the process, we learn patience and endurance. We also learn that the things the world values mean nothing to us. Oratory does not save any more than showmanship. What saves is the Holy Spirit of God in a quiet unbecoming manner, in presenting the crucifixion of the Savior. The path to heaven has everything to do with Jesus Christ and our relationship with Him.

Tuesday, Psalm 84:3-4 and 1 Corinthians 2:4-5

Because we are not selling ourselves, it does not really matter how weak or unappealing we think we may be to others, as long as we are taking care of ourselves as God would have us to do. Instead we are speaking of the power of God, and sharing how His power can change a person's life. Using methods that seem to be wise in this world, is contrary to the way God chooses to work. The sparrow found the best place to raise young was right in the altar of God. Human wisdom would say that it was a dangerous place. Yet God provided safety there and enlisted the help of the priests by doing so. No matter how foolish we may feel, salvation does not depend on our power, just the testimony of one redeemed.

Wednesday, Psalm 84:5-6 and 1 Corinthians 2:6-8

Happiness comes from finding strength that only God can give. It is not found in following the wisdom of the great people of the world, which fails and the people die. Instead it is a spiritual truth, that has amazing power. The waste places of life can be changed to gardens, because of the spiritual perception and faith in God. Instead of strife and troubles being a burden, they become powerful blessings from God.

Thursday, Psalm 84:7-8 and 1 Corinthians 1:9-10

Being a child of God is an amazing thing. We go from one circumstance to another learning to become stronger and stronger through it all, until we arrive in heaven in the likeness of God's Son. What is learned is so powerful, eye cannot see it or ear hear what enters our hearts and prepares us for eternity. Having the Spirit of God within us, is truly a miraculous event, that enables us to learn all the deep things of God.

Friday, Psalm 84:9-10 and 1 Corinthians 1:11-13

There is no one who knows our spirit better than the Spirit of God in us. We can ask God to look upon us, because we have His spirit within us, and God can see that our hearts are sincere in our worship of Him. It is so important that we be allowed to live in God's courts, that we would gladly serve as a door keeper, if that would enable us to be there. Anything we can do, we will gladly do. God's spirit works within us so that we can speak God's word to others and not our words, and we can understand spiritual matters and grow spiritually.

Saturday, Psalm 84:11-12 and 1 Corinthians 1:14-16

Happiness comes from trusting in God and learning to accept the spiritual lessons of life. God is our shield and He does not withhold beneficial things from us. There is also no human being that could ever instruct God, so we are not missing anything when we follow God. Instead we are gaining everything.

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Psalm 84

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