“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!”
– Psalm 84:1
Main Thought: David’s focus in this Psalm is the worship of God and the necessity and benefits of God’s people worshiping Him. David begins here by speaking of the loveliness of the place where God dwells. We have a tendency perhaps to think that David is speaking of the temple in Jerusalem when he speaks here, but I don’t believe that he is speaking of the appearance of a physical place. The word that is used here speaks also of something that is loved or beloved. Homes and places are not necessarily beloved because of the structure itself, but because of who is there, such as the father or mother, or other family members. As a Christian, we find a place loved or lovely because that is where God’s presence dwells. When David went together with the people of God to worship, God was pleased to dwell with them as they gathered together. In the present day, when God’s people gather together in Spirit and Truth (John 4:24) on Sundays, God is pleased by the Holy Spirit to come down into their midst and meet with them. In 1 Corinthians 3:16, Paul reminded the church at Corinth that they were God’s temple and God’s Spirit dwelt in them. The church, when gathered together wherever or whatever kind of building they are gathered in, becomes a lovely or beloved place because God chooses to gather with His people when they worship Him as a body. This Psalm emphasizes the importance for all believers to gather together to worship God, that we might worship Him and we might be benefitted by being in His presence. May all of us who know Christ make it a determination that we will gather together each Sunday to be in God’s presence, to be in that place that is lovely because He is there.
David Webber
David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.
More from David Webber
Hosea 6:6
“For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” – Hosea 6:6
Hebrews 11:24-26
“By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharoah’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” – Hebrews 11:24-26
Revelation 22:20-21
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen” – Revelation 22:20-21
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Isaiah 8:20
“To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.” – Isaiah 8:20
2 Corinthians 4:7
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.” – 2 Corinthians 4:7
1 Thessalonians 5:19
“Do not quench the Spirit.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:19
Colossians 2:5
“For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” – Colossians 2:5
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1
Isaiah 41:17-18
“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the LORD will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.” – Isaiah 41:17-18