Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 84
This Psalm is a pilgrimage song that was used to worship the Lord in celebration of coming into His house or temple. The people of Israel knew that they could come to the House of the Lord and enjoy the presence of the Almighty God! While we know that the Holy Spirit dwells in the Believer, for the Old Testament follower of God, the temple was the place where God dwelt and worship and praise always happened in God’s presence. The annual pilgrimages to worship at the temple became wonderful opportunities to sing and celebrate coming into the presence of God and enjoying His love and fellowship. It is from this Psalm that we get words for the worship chorus, “Better Is One Day in Your House than Thousands Elsewhere”.(vs. 10) Ps 84:1-2, 1
How lovely are Thy dwelling places, O LORD of hosts! 2 My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.(NAS)
One of the things that has happened in this pandemic is that we have again realized the joy and worship that we share together in our churches. I know how much I have missed being together with others of like faith in fellowship and worship. There truly is nothing like raising our hearts and voices together in celebration of our God and King! I would liken this song to a travel song that would be sung together as the people anticipated being in God’s temple and His presence. Maybe similar to a camp song that is shared on the way to camp in a bus, looking forward to the wonderful times of fun, fellowship and worship in a place where we meet with God. In verses 5-7 you can feel the joy building as they knew the highways and roads, the valleys and trees, the springs with fresh water of refreshment, and the ever increasing happiness of God’s presence as they drew nearer to His temple.
The real promise of God’s presence brings the trust and faith we need to continue on the pathway of life. Psalms 84:11-12, 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. 12 O LORD of hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in Thee!(NAS)
Spiritually speaking it is like coming home to be refreshed and encouraged by our marvelous God. We can trust that in His presence is everything I need for life and joy (Philippians 4:19).
Father, I long for Your presence and Your love. I know that I have Your Holy Spirit dwelling in me, but many times I need the fellowship and loving encouragement of Your people in Your presence. I want to worship and glorify You together with my church family. Thank You for allowing me to have some of this restored in our church services gathering again. May I never take for granted the ability to gather together and be with You in heart, song and service with Your people. In Jesus Name, Amen! Pastor Rob
Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 85
Revive us again, fill each heart with Thy love, may each soul be rekindled with fire from above. We sing this hymn as we remember and long for the joy of being forgiven, restored, and renewed in relationship with God. Some feel that this Psalm was written after God restored Israel to their homeland after the captivity under Babylon and Persia. The miracle of God’s restoration as He forgave their sin and brought about the ability and provisions needed to return home and rebuild Jerusalem and the temple.(Ezra and Nehemiah) In verses 1-3 we have the praise of restoration and revival as God removed His wrath and revealed His blessings and provision again. The only problem addressed by the song is that this renewal, revival, and restoration would be need again.(vs. 4-7) Psalms 85:6-7, 6 Wilt Thou not thyself revive us again, that Thy people may rejoice in Thee? 7 Show us Thy lovingkindness, O LORD, and grant us Thy salvation.(NAS)
Oh the thrill that is ours when we are able to stay and bask in the presence of right relationship with God. When we listen to His Word and obey with love His commands.
Ps 85:10-11, 10 Lovingkindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 11 Truth springs from the earth; and righteousness looks down from heaven.(NAS) The description of righteousness and peace kissing is like a couple in love who have made up from a fight and are enjoying the peace and satisfaction of being freely in love again. The oneness in unity and love with each other and with God is the best feeling as heaven and earth are in agreement and peaceful love again! “All is right with the universe!”(vs. 11)
It is great to know that God in His righteousness goes before us and makes our path clear and right. Ps 85:13 Righteousness will go before Him, and will make His footsteps into a way.(NAS) We all pray for the repentance and restoration of our nation during these times. It is the greatest joy and purpose ever to know that God has forgiven, restored and renewed our right relationship with Him.
Father, we need revival today and everyday. We can only be joyfully fulfilled when we are in right relationship with You. Forgive me for needing to be renewed moment by moment as I need You every hour of every day. Thank You for Your patient love and forgiveness and grace. In Jesus Name Amen! Pastor Rob
Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 86
While the previous Psalms talk of national restoration and revival, Psalms 86 is a very personal Psalm asking for protection, and personal preservation of “a godly man”.(vs. 1-4) This prayer is based on God’s grace, goodness, forgiveness and “abundant lovingkindness” to all who call on the Lord.(vs. 5) David had faith that God would hear his prayers because of God’s character. As he begins to worship God for Who He is, his faith in that same God is strengthened to continue to call on God because he knows God hears and has the power to answer. There truly is none like God and He is God alone!(vs. 6-10) I need to allow my worship to lead my heart to faith and trust that God will protect, preserve and provide. Psalms 86:8 There is no one like Thee among the gods, O Lord; nor are there any works like Thine. Psalms 86:10 For Thou art great and doest wondrous deeds; Thou alone art God.(NAS)
In verses 11-13, we find that David knew that he needed instruction in remaining in right relationship with God. How many times do I ask God to instruct and teach me in His ways? One of my pet peeves with people is that they want God’s protection, power and preservation in their lives, but they refuse to study His word and become wise and obedient in His ways. I often pray that others might learn to obey God’s Word, but frequently forget that I need His instruction most of all.
In verses 14-17 we see the prayer for strength in the midst of dealing with our enemies. The basis of our prayer is God’s grace. Psalms 86:15 But Thou, O Lord, art a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.
We need God’s strength to live in God’s grace towards others. Many times I want God to deal quickly and harshly with my enemies when He is showing grace and mercy that some might repent and be saved. I just need to know that God is with me and providing strength and protection while I wait on Him. David just asks for a sign of good so he can really know that God has been with me and comforted me in the hardest of times.(vs. 17) We often fail to see the eternal good in the situations we find ourselves in; so we need to trust that God can give us strength to trust and wait on Him showing His grace love and mercy to others as He has shown them to us!
Father, thank You for protecting and preserving me through the times of trouble. I know that You are a gracious, merciful and loving God as You have shown me over and over again. Help me to not lose sight of Who You are and what You have done. Give me Your strength and grace to live and wait on You. In Jesus Name, Amen! Pastor Rob
Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 87
I think that many of the hateful thoughts towards God’s people are caused by God’s love for them and His city, Jerusalem. One of the pictures found in Jerusalem is a map with Jerusalem as the center of the world and the 3 leaves branching out to Asia, Europe, and Africa. While this seems prideful and self centered, God’s first chosen people, His Promised Land, and His city of residence, Jerusalem are facts of Scripture.
In verses 1-3, we find the description of God’s foundation, His holy mountain, is Jerusalem. God loves His city and His Son, Jesus Christ will rule and reign from there in the Millennium.
The Great news is that God has brought many from the surrounding countries into the fold as part of His people. We are reminded that some from every tribe and nation will be part of Christ’s Kingdom. Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy art Thou to take the book, and to break its seals; for Thou wast slain, and didst purchase for God with Thy blood {men} from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.(NAS) I am so glad that we are adopted, grafted into God’s family by the precious blood of His Son. While we may be physically born from many locations, we are spiritually born again into one family in Christ Jesus.
Psalms 87:7 Then those who sing as well as those who play the flutes {shall say} “All my springs {of joy} are in you.”(NAS) All of those who are saved by the blood of the Lord will sing with perfect pitch and play with perfect ability our songs of praise and joy to the Lord. I can truly say, all my joy is found in Christ!
Father, we look forward to that day when we will be able to worship You all together from all over the world in every language with perfect pitch and ability. What a day that will be! Thank You for including me! In Jesus Name, Amen! Pastor Rob