Psalm 84 is a prayer of pilgrimage for those who are traveling to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple. As such, it is a fitting model for those of us who find ourselves on a pilgrimage through this world. The Apostle Peter describes us as “strangers in the world” (1 Peter 1:1). We move through this life recognizing that, according to Jesus, we are in the world, but not of the world.
One of the major distinctions between the Old Testament pilgrims and the New Testament saints is that we are no longer making a physical journey to a specific building to encounter God. Though we continue to grow “toward” God, the most amazing fact of our pilgrimage is that we are journeying “with” God. Through His Spirit, God Himself has come to dwell in us and lead us through this life.
This does not mean that we do not need to seek after God. The vast majority, if not all believers struggle to walk in that continual awareness of the Lord’s presence in our lives. We must still keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness. Learning to pray Psalm 84 with a New Testament mindset can give us great help on our pilgrimage. Here is one way to pray this powerful Psalm:
Lord, I can hardly fathom the beauty of where You dwell. Nothing I have experienced on earth can adequately prepare me to experience Your glorious house. But I do know this: I long to see Your house. I am almost weak with my desire to experience Your presence. Everything in me cries out for You, my God!
I am so grateful that I do not have to wait until death to dwell in Your house. You have come to dwell in me through Your Spirit, and oh how amazing – now I can choose daily to live in Your presence. How blessed are those who dwell in Your house. Our lives will overflow with praise as we continually gaze upon Your beauty.
