Psalm 84

Psalm 84 (NLT) - 1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 2 I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God. 3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God! 4 What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises. Interlude 5 What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. 6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings. 7 They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem. 8 O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer. Listen, O God of Jacob. Interlude 9 O God, look with favor upon the king, our shield! Show favor to the one you have anointed. 10 A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. 11 For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. 12 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.

A conversation about God’s character, God’s presence, and God’s House. Here are the questions we’ll be exploring in light of Psalm 84 and our journey with God.

What do you see about God in this passage?

What Scripture echoes in your heart as you read it? Explain?

What is this passage instructing us to do? Why does it matter?

Why do you love the local Church? What is one or two things you’ve learned serving God within the church?

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PRACTICING THE WAY

As disciples of Jesus, we know our allegiance to Him as King is expressed in our daily practice. We are not pursuing perfection but want to practice our faith each day. These practices will point you toward spiritual formation as an apprentice (disciple) to Jesus.

(1) Start the Bible Recap reading plan.

(2) Recite this prayer/liturgy daily: Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy and, as you have bound us to Yourself in love, leave us not who call upon your name, but grant us salvation, made known in the cross of Jesus Christ or Lord.

(3) Talk it Over (with friends, a spouse, or your Group)

The message was about the our pursuit of God and the value of participating in God’s family. Read Psalm 84.

What do you see about God in this passage?

What Scripture echoes in your heart as you read it? Explain?

What is this passage instructing us to do? Why does it matter?

Why do you love the local Church? What is one or two things you’ve learned serving God within the church?