IN THIS FOR THE LONG HAUL

 

JULY 17, 2024

PSALM 84


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.[b]
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!



Are you familiar with the feeling of being stuck? Those times in life, perhaps you're experiencing one currently, where you feel caught between your current situation and where you aspire to be?

Perhaps you have mapped out your life, highlighting all the objectives you want to accomplish. By the ages of 35, 40, 55, and 65, many have envisioned a future of financial stability, with mortgages settled, a family life blossoming with children and grandchildren, and perhaps even an early retirement to embrace the joys of travel. Yet, there comes a time when you awaken to find yourself not at the destination you had planned, with no straightforward solution to this unplanned reality. In such moments, how do you proceed when the path you're traveling diverges from your expectations?

The Psalm above, Psalm 84 reminds us that God does not withhold good things from His children. We read, “the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold.” (Psalm 84:11). There is nothing wrong with making plans, but our plans should always be enlightened by God's Word and in obedience to His will. I know, I know, obedience? Would the word “submission” be better? Fact is words like “obedience” and “submission” do not sit well with us who want to be in control of our lives, do they? The concepts of "obedience" and "submission" often clash with our pursuit of freedom. We're guided by the principle of "looking out for number one," which usually means prioritizing ourselves.

However, the phrase "looking out for Number One" takes on a praiseworthy meaning when it reflects the priority of putting God first and endeavoring to align our actions with His intentions. It's important to recognize that God has a perspective on our lives from start to finish. He understands our needs and has plans for us that are flawless.

Focusing solely on our desired path can lead to unexpected detours that diminish our joy. However, embracing the journey God has planned for us allows us to grow stronger, regardless of the direction life may take us in. Listen to what Psalm 84:5-7 reminds us of:

“5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are the highways 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.

More significant than the life goals we achieve or fail to achieve, is the companion we share our journey with. Ultimately, our hearts yearn for the time spent with God. A day devoted to God can enrich our souls in ways that mere achievement of goals cannot.

Go ahead and make plans, seek God's guidance, and rejoice in your achievements. But let's not cling too tightly to our plans that we forget the One who guides our journey. Recall the Psalmist's words: "A day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere... Blessed is the one who trusts in You!"