ISSL Reflections October 24 2021 Psalm 84 Post 3

VII.
As we begin our time with this Psalm today, rest in these words from the Psalmist –

Happy are those whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

As they go through the valley of Baca
they make it a place of springs;
the early rain also covers it with pools.

They go from strength to strength;
the God of gods will be seen in Zion.

As you turn to the Psalm for another meditative reading, let these words be your lens for hearing the Psalm –

in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

VIII.
Psalm 84 (NRSV)

How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of hosts!

My soul longs, indeed it faints
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh sing for joy
to the living God.

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.

Happy are those who live in your house,
ever singing your praise.Selah

Happy are those whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

As they go through the valley of Baca
they make it a place of springs;
the early rain also covers it with pools.

They go from strength to strength;
the God of gods will be seen in Zion.

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah

Behold our shield, O God;
look on the face of your anointed.

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 live in the tents of wickedness.

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
he bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does the Lord withhold
from those who walk uprightly.

O Lord of hosts,
happy is everyone who trusts in you.

IX.
In reading this Psalm how does the Psalmist lead you beyond the Temple as the place of praise?

Is this Psalm a song of praise for the Temple or a song of praise that sees beyond the Temple and takes us beyond the Temple?

Happy are those whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

Where does the heart lead? What path does the heart make for us?

X.

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.


What might the sparrow and swallow show us about finding a home, a nest, a safe place to be in God’s presence?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}


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