“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
Psalm 29:2
“Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.” – Psalm 29:2
Hebrews 10:14
“For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” – Hebrews 10:14
Isaiah 25:8-9
“He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of the people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. It will be said on that day, Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” – Isaiah 25:8-9
2 Corinthians 1:22
“… and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” – 2 Corinthians 1:22
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Romans 16:20a
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” – Romans 16:20a
Psalm 30:4-5
“Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” – Psalm 30:4-5
Psalm 4:7
“You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.” – Psalm 4:7
Mark 15:37-38
“And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” – Mark 15:37-38
1 Peter 1:13
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 1:13