“What pleasure fills those who live every day in your temple, enjoying you as they worship in your presence! How enriched are they who find their strength in the Lord; within their hearts are the highways of holiness! Even when their paths wind through the dark valley of tears, they dig deep to find a pleasant pool where others find only pain. He gives to them a brook of blessings filled from the rain of an outpouring. They grow stronger and stronger with every step forward, and the God of all gods will appear before them in Zion. For just one day of intimacy with you is like a thousand days of joy rolled into one! For the Lord God is brighter than the brilliance of a sunrise! Wrapping himself around me like a shield, he is so generous with his gifts of grace and glory. Those who walk along his paths with integrity will never lack one thing they need, for he provides it all!” Psalm 84:5-7,10a,11 TPT
We are well aware that we can pray and meet with God any place anywhere, and at any time. But being in a church building can many times help us to step away from whatever we find ourselves in the midst of, and center our thoughts on our Heavenly Father, as we meditate and pray. Often times, we simply have the need to seek a more intimate time with him in order to feel his presence, and what better place, than His House.
In this passage the Psalmist is expressing that being in God’s Living Presence can, through no matter what we are in the midst of, help us to grow in strength, grace, and glory, leading to our joy and peace. God does not promise life will be without troubles, filled with pain and tears, instead He has told us that we will never have to face life alone, Many times, when our steps seem impossible for us to walk, He will carry us through, simply for the asking!
Heavenly Father, help us to remember that no matter what we find ourselves facing, or presently walking through, to seek your presence, and be ever so thankful.
In Christ Love
Margaret