Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
October 29, 2024
Psalm 84:1-9
1 How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD of heavenly forces! 2 My very being longs, even yearns, for the LORD’s courtyards. My heart and my body will rejoice out loud to the living God! 3 Yes, the sparrow too has found a home there; the swallow has found herself a nest where she can lay her young beside your altars, LORD of heavenly forces, my king, my God! 4 Those who live in your house are truly happy; they praise you constantly. Selah 5 Those who put their strength in you are truly happy; pilgrimage is in their hearts. 6 As they pass through the Baca Valley, they make it a spring of water. Yes, the early rain covers it with blessings. 7 They go from strength to strength, until they see the supreme God in Zion. 8 LORD God of heavenly forces, hear my prayer; listen closely, Jacob’s God! Selah 9 Look at our shield, God; pay close attention to the face of your anointed one!
Good Morning! Today is the day the Lord has made! Rejoice and Be Glad!
When I opened today’s passage, the first verse brought amazing joy to my heart. Johannes Brahms set Psalm 84 to music in one of the most moving choral selections I have ever had the privilege of singing. I recommend you listen to the Morman Tabernacle Choir singing this. Allow yourself to be consumed as the notes, rhythms, and words work together to build a great climax near the end, and then return to the quiet peace of the opening. For me, Brahms' work embodies the meaning of 2 My very being longs, even yearns, for the LORD’s courtyards. My heart and my body will rejoice out loud to the living God!
This beautiful Psalm of peace comforts me and reminds me that whatever I might imagine the Lord’s dwelling place to be, it is far beyond my wildest imagination. On each day of our earthly dwelling, we long for, albeit we yearn for, God’s peace. The peace that passes all understanding hangs in the balance, waiting for us to relinquish our earthly ambition and give ourselves to God.
We struggle with letting go of what we know, even if we understand that what is unknown is better. I read stories where homeless people are afraid to accept a place to live because they have acquired “normal” expectations with their current situation. To go and live somewhere else means starting over and trusting those around you are working to help, not harm, you.
What about our dwelling places? Are we ready to transcend our metaphysical dwelling to join with God in a spiritual dwelling place? The conclusion of the Psalm reminds us that “blessed is the one who trusts in God.”
For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly.
O LORD of hosts,
Blessed is the man who trusts in You!
Dear Lord, We are your children! You give us everything, but we stand back, afraid to claim your gifts. You are a gracious God; you give us all the time we need to say, “Yes, Lord!” Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God will provide refreshing moments to sustain us.
Trust in God with all your heart, soul, and strength! Pastor Liz
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