Suggested Bible Reading: Psalm 43-45, 49, 84-85, 87
Devotional Thought:
Title: “God Gives Grace and Glory.”
One of the most notable features of Psalm 84 is the number of divine titles given by the Psalmist. This reveals a most intelligent and reverent appreciation for God, which would be good for us to model today. The Psalmist yearns with his whole being. “My soul … my heart … my flesh,” he says, “cry out for the living God.” He uses words implying intense desire. He is longing, even fainting, as he aspires after the true worship of God. The benediction continues in verses 5-8, pronouncing the blessedness of the man whose strength or refuge is in the Lord. In the hearts of such are “the high ways to Zion.” Three times annually pilgrims made their way to Zion, to celebrate the Feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. It may be that the Psalmist is thinking of those who looked forward to such pilgrimages to Jerusalem. These precious saints would not be travelling not by compulsion, or of necessity, but with a willing eagerness, just for the joy of being at the temple courts again. Is this how you approach your trip to church each time we meet to worship? The very highway to Zion was in their hearts. Note that the words, “to Zion,” are italicized, having been supplied by the translators, but they do seem necessary to complete the teaching of God here. The pilgrim exults at being in the courts of the Lord, for one day in these sacred courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. The Psalmist considers that he would rather stand at the threshold of the house of his God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. He gives his reason, “for the Lord God is a sun and shield.” He was indeed their light, and so their sun, as He was their shield also. He would give grace and glory. Here is the second of only two references to grace in the whole book of Psalms. Compare Psalm 45:2 where again grace is closely associated with glory. It does not enrich our God to withhold, but He will not dispense His grace and His glory indiscriminately. He delights to bless those who walk uprightly, and to them He will be lavish with His goodness. Considering all things, how blessed is the man whose trust, whose confidence, is in the God of all grace and glory. Alexander Maclaren says, “The Psalmist’s last word translates his metaphors of dwelling in and travelling towards the house of God into their simple meaning. That trust, both seeks and finds God.” There has ever been but one way to God’s presence, and that is the way of faith!
Personal Prayer Request:
- Lord, please help me to model this picture with my children. You never say no unless you just cannot say yes. No good thing have you ever withheld from me.
- Lord, thank you for being a God of such grace and glory.
- Lord, thank you for your goodness in providing grace. May you give an extra dose to the Scallys and to our church as we seek to exalt you through trial.