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Psalm 84:1-7
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. In 1 Sam. 13 David is referred to as “a man after God’s own heart.” If God were to give you a “nickname” what do you think that name might be? Psalm 84 is one of many that helps us understand why God called David “a man after His own heart.” Did you know that everywhere throughout Scripture God commands that His people regularly participate in public, corporate worship. Ex. 20:8 “remember the Sabbath day, by keeping it holy.”(ESV). One of the saddest commentaries on the 21st century Church is that she has lost her delight, awe, and desire for true Biblical worship lifted heavenward as a sweet smelling savor to the God who purchased her with His own precious blood. This Psalm offers us some insight into a proper attitude for Biblical worship. Notice David’s
- DESIRE FOR THE WORSHIP! 1-4. Once in a while I ask the question, when you wake up on Sunday morning what is your attitude toward getting ready and coming to worship? Now let me ask you that same question in a little bit different way; when you wake up – every day – what is your attitude toward worship to God throughout every day? It is the idea, concept, or philosophy of this all- encompassing attitude of worship David is addressing here. Look again at v. 2. David says “my soul, my heart, and flesh.” It is the idea, concept, or philosophy of this all- encompassing attitude of worship David is addressing here. Look again at v. 2. David says “my soul, my heart, and flesh.” Notice in v. 4 David seems to express some envy for those who dwell in the house of the Lord meaning the priests who lived there. What was the point or the cause for David’s intense desire to worship? It was very simply this – David saw God as the one and only Almighty God, The Creator! The truth is we all know the real answer to the question “what is your constant attitude toward worship every day of your life?” And “how well do you know God?” Because we know the answer to those questions – the real question then becomes what are you going to do to improve and enrich your attitude and your knowledge? One of the questions the selfishness of sin causes us to ask is, “what’s in it for me?” I find it interesting as I study, throughout the Scriptures, God goes to great lengths to answer that question. Here David helps us see our
- DEVELOPMENT BECAUSE OF WORSHIP 5-7. Look at v. 5, now 7. God never calls his children to sit, soak, and sour. Even in those times when we are positive God is telling us to be still, to wait, or to rest, we are to be active in spiritual growth. There is never a time we are to stop reading and studying Scripture, there is never a time we are to stop praying, and there is never a time we are to stop seeking God’s face. 24/7/365 God is working in us to conform us to the image of Christ preparing us for eternity with Him in heaven. From a human perspective constant work, or constant activity of any kind drains our strength from us. Vss. 5, 7 teach us that as we put out constant effort to minister and to grow, God makes it His business, not just to replenish our strength, but as David tells us in verse 7 God takes us to new levels of strength we have never experienced. Look at v. 6. Read! Valley of Baca is similar to our Death Valley. It is a hot, dry, desolate valley through which many Jews had to pass on their way to Jerusalem. Traversing the Valley was the most demanding and difficult part of the entire journey. In the context of this Psalm David is telling us that many of the pilgrims were so intensely focused on meeting with God in worship at Jerusalem, that the anticipation of such worship was such a driving force in their hearts, that the barrenness around them did not deter nor distract them from getting to the Temple. What does it take to stop you from corporate worship on Sunday morning?
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