Psalms 84-85

Psalm 84 invites us into a profound meditation on what it truly means to long for God's presence. Written by the sons of Korah—descendants of a man whose rebellion nearly destroyed his entire family—this psalm becomes even more powerful when we understand its context. These worship leaders, saved by grace from their ancestor's judgment, penned some of the most beautiful expressions of devotion to God's house. Their passion wasn't for a building, but for the living God who dwells among His people. We discover three transformative beatitudes: blessing comes from dwelling with God, from finding our strength in Him, and from trusting Him completely. The imagery of pilgrims traveling through the Valley of Baca—the valley of tears—yet making it a place of springs, speaks directly to our own journey. We don't avoid hardship, but we transform it through worship and community. When we gather together, we're not just attending a service; we're becoming the sanctuary where God's presence dwells. This psalm challenges us to examine our own hearts: Do we eagerly anticipate worship, or do we make excuses? Do we go from strength to strength as we journey toward our heavenly home, or do we grow weary? The sons of Korah would rather be doorkeepers in God's house than dwell in the tents of wickedness—a stunning declaration that the smallest role in God's kingdom surpasses the greatest position in the world. Their story reminds us that God's grace can transform any legacy, and that true blessing comes not from our circumstances but from our relationship with the God of hosts.