Many people have a favorite place that they like to go to get away from it all. For some it might be a special vacation spot by the ocean, or maybe in the mountains. Others might just like to go off to a favorite room in their house or quiet spot on their property. In our psalm for this week we read of the favorite spot that the author had. Let’s look into this passage of Scripture and see if we might also agree with him.
Today’s psalm was written by one of the Sons of Korah, who were descendants of Levi. They had the positions of gatekeepers and musicians in the Temple. As we read, we see that he longed to get away from the bustling world to meet with God (vs. 1, 4). Near to the tabernacle of God was his favorite spot, where he could rest, be at peace, and meditate. He was a faithful believer, and he had an intense desire to worship Yahweh (vs. 2). He even had a bit of envy for the birds which were able to fly away from the bustle of the world and draw near to God (vs. 3).
As we continue on in our psalm we see that God blesses those who fully depend on Him. When life gets to be too much, and our strength is weak, where do we turn? God wishes for us to turn to Him, and depend upon His strength (vs. 5). When we want to escape from the troubles of life, our psalmist invites us to take a pilgrimage to God. We don’t have to necessarily make an actual, physical pilgrimage to some holy spot. It could just be some time where we seek some time with God in our heart (vs. 5), whether a day, an hour, or just a few moments.
We all go through some difficult times in life. Our psalmist calls them going through the Valley of Baca (vs. 6). “Baca” was a word that means “weeping”. The Valley of Baca would symbolize times of struggling and tears. We’ve all had those times, times when we are in a valley of tears. The psalmist doesn’t want us to stay there, though. We are to pass through it on our journey to meet with God. Growing strong in God’s presence is often preceded by a journey through barren places in our lives. This can be an opportunity to experience God’s faithfulness. As we go through our Valley of Baca, make sure we are heading towards God, and not away from Him. Don’t let the time of weeping and struggle turn you away from the Savior.
Of all the special places that our psalmist could think of to go and be at, the one he desired above all else was to be in the house of God (vs. 10). There are people who pride themselves on their grand houses, their vacation homes,whatever their riches can get them. However, thinking of all of these, the psalmist says he would rather spend one day with God than a thousand with these others, even with their grand places. He would rather be a doorkeeper, in a humble place of service with God, than in an exalted position of power or fame in the world without Him. Where else can we experience day to day blessings than in the presence of God? Where else can we find meaning and purpose in life, or feel completely secure? That’s where we should desire to be above anywhere else.
As our psalmist comes to the conclusion of his psalm, he reminds us that God is our shield (vs. 9, 11). A shield protects us from the attacks of the enemy. Jesus is our shield against Satan’s attacks. If we turn to Him, He will shield us when the enemy plots his greatest onslaught against us. God promises to be a sun for us, as well, shining His light upon us, giving us grace and glory (vs. 11). The sun brings light and life to the world. God brings light and life to those who trust Him (John 8:12). As the sun exposes darkness, God’s glory and presence exposes sin (I Corinthians 4:5).
God’s promise to provide has a condition - it is given to “those who walk uprightly” (vs. 11). If God isn’t meeting our needs as we think He should, either He may have a different plan, or something in our life may be a hindrance. It may be sin or our desires may be off. God doesn’t promise to give us everything we want, but He will not withhold what is for our good. God’s presence should be our greatest joy. It will help us to grow in strength, grace and glory.
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