Psalm 84

"Blessed are those who dwell in Your house;
they are ever praising You.
Blessed are those whose strength is in You,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion."

"Better is one day in Your courts
than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
LORD Almighty, blessed are those who trust in You."

(Psalm 84:4-7; 84:10-12)

Psalm 84 identifies the "Blessed" as those who remain in the place of God's dwelling and those who go all out to search for it. God even blesses those whose paths the God-seekers cross in the whole process/journey of seeking Him! Today, I believe that His dwelling is not merely on the premises of our church buildings. Rather, it is wherever not only His presence, but also His rest, light, protection, favor, honor and blessings are found. (After all, He is omnipresent!)

How do we build God a dwelling place? We are usually taught to enthrone Him through our praises, worship in every aspect of our lives and obedience - and indeed, these are good things. We do them because we love God. God delights in our acts of adoration and honor for Him. However what amazes me is the fact that Christianity is much more than just a "doing faith" - it is a "being faith". Psalm 84:11 says that, "no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless." Can anyone, even the most earnest and God-fearing person, have a 100% blameless walk or do everything perfectly? The Apostle Paul was such a person, and yet He confessed that he, at times, could not carry out the good that he had intended to do and would keep on doing the evil that he did not want to do (Romans 7:18-19). If so, can there be any hope for those who struggle? I was reminded today that God sees blameless primarily those who have put their faith in the cross - and despite their weaknesses and many failings - trust that what Christ has done on the cross is complete. Those who are aware that there is absolutely nothing that they can do to earn their own salvation - and therefore call upon His name. God is indeed pleased to make His dwelling among these.


Will you dwell with God today?