The Wilderness Journey of Life

(#958, Imperial, 1961)
Read Psalm 84.

There are 3 Wilderness Psalms: 42,63 and 84.  Each reflects a thirst after God.  In this Psalm the Psalmist is longing for fuller communion with God, a desire springing from a KNOWN delight.

The Tabernacles of the Lord (v1-4).

The Old Testament tabernacle was the place of God's dwelling.  There He communed with His people.  In the New Testament God dwells in the believer (1 Cor. 6:19-20).  The tabernacle is not the church building, nor is it Jerusalem or Samaria, but it is where the believer is, or where 2 or 3 are gathered. 

Note too that the real issue is not "where" (the Tabernacle) but "Who" (the Living God, v2).  The issue is fellowship with God.  In His presence there is rest and peace and blessing (v3-4).

The Valley of Baca (v5-8).

This is the valley of tears and weeping, the valley of bitterness.  None of us are spared disappointments or sorrows.  But note...
ƒ      This is not a box canyon for the Christian; rather it is a valley he passes through (v6).
ƒ      There is a well in this valley and One Who can make the bitter waters sweet.  (For the Christian the Cross makes the bitterness of life to be sweet.)
ƒ      The believer then goes from strength to strength (v5,7).  The Lord is our strength.

Divine Bestowments (v9-12).

    1.  Atonement (v9).  The Psalmist asks God to look upon the face of Christ, the One Who has made atonement for him.  He calls attention to the glories of Christ.
    2.  A  Sun (v11).  This is a source of light, life, warmth, beauty and fruitfulness.
    3.  A Shield (v11).  Here is protection. The Lord is round about His people.
    4.  Grace and Glory (v11).  Grace to fit present needs. Glory to fit all future needs.
    5.  All Good Things.  No good thing will God withhold.

How blessed is the man who trusts in Thee!