SCRIPTURE: PSALM 84
MEMORY VERSES:
“Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.” (Psalm 84:4-5)
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield, the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” (Psalm 84:11)
The Jews were required to go to Jerusalem three times each year to celebrate Passover, Pentecost and Feast of the Tabernacle. The author of this Psalm was unable to join the pilgrimage even when his heart yearned to. So he wrote this Psalm. He described how lovely is the dwelling place of the Lord and those who dwell in his house are very blessed.
During the pilgrimage, the Israelites had to pass through the Valley of Baca before they could reach their destiny. The author wanted to serve God as a doorkeeper because for him, God is a sun and shield who bestows favor and honor.
THOUGHTS:
The Valley of Baca was also called the Valley of Weeping. It symbolized times of struggles and tears through which people must pass in their way to meet God. As we walk our life’s journey, the adversities of our lives are opportunities for us to re-experience God’s faithfulness. We can grow strong with God’s presence as he walks along with us in our paths.