A Heart Set On Pilgrimage Psalm 84

Pause for thought

Do you long as in the words of an old hymn “ Here from the world we turn Jesus to meet” ? then you would of enjoyed the company of the writer of Psalm 84 who was longing to meet God in the Temple courts. We can meet with God at any place at anytime, but as many have found stepping aside from the world to meet with God involves much more than finding a space in a church building or a even a place in the countryside. Do you remember the words of Jesus when speaking to the Samaritan woman? teaching us that whatever the perceived benefits of a quiet location its the preparation of the heart that counts. ” Neither on this mountain or in Jerusalem, the true worshippers will worship in spirit and in truth for the Father is seeking such to worship Him” (my paraphrase of John 4:21-24)

The Psalmist envies the sparrow and swallow who could just fly into Gods presence at will! consider the obstacles the OT worshippers had to overcome to be allowed into the temple? Hebrews 5. In a sense we Christians have more in common with the sparrow that flew at will into the temple and build its nest in Gods very presence than with the OT worshippers. Think how Jesus compared believers to the sparrow Mathew 10:29-31

The pilgrims way up to Jerusalem and the Temple passed through the Valley of Baca which was a dry desolate valley. This valley has become symbolic of times of extreme struggles and tears that every genuine pilgrim has to face. Those who ” set their hearts on pilgrimage” know that their pilgrimage leads them closer to God not away from Him. The pilgrim way passes through the valley of baca we don’t camp there!

As you pass through your valley trusting in the Lord it will become barren no longer but be filled with springs of rejoicing 5-7

Chorus to sing?

As I walk through that dark lonesome valley the Saviour will walk with me there, and safely his good hand will guide me to mansions he’s gone to prepare. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.

memory verse

No good thing will the Lord with-hold from those who do what is right Psalm 84:11 N.L.T.

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