Read Psalm 84
This Psalm describes the journey of pilgrims to the sanctuary in Jerusalem. As they journey, they count their blessings. They are three times blessed – blessing upon blessing upon blessing.
First, they are blessed simply to have access to God in his designated place (v1). The God of heavenly armies (v1) welcomes the sparrow and the swallow (v3). He welcomes the humble. What a joy it is to be in his presence (v2).
Second, they are blessed on the way (v5). Not only does this God welcome them when they arrive, he gives them strength and security for the journey. And so, even though they are walking through the wilderness, its as if they are meandering through the land of plenty (v6).
The third blessing is the culmination: they are blessed to trust in the LORD (v12). To be the lowest servant in his kingdom is better than any status outside (v10). He lights their way, protects them, and showers them with good gifts as they go (v11). To trust him is to know blessing upon blessing upon blessing.
All of these blessings have an earthly custodian. The psalmist pleas with God to behold their shield and look upon the face of his anointed (v9). The Davidic King is the custodian of their journey and God’s agent in their blessing. He is also the way in which this beautiful prayer comes to us.
Jesus Christ is God’s anointed and in him we enjoy every blessing from God (Eph 1.3-14). We are humble sojourners – aliens and strangers in the wilderness of this life. But in Christ we are welcomed into the presence of the Father, we have ample for the journey, and we are assured of his welcome when we arrive home.
The question is, do we know it? Are we trusting him? Do we rejoice in him? Can we, with the Psalmist sing “My soul longs, yes, faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.” Are the highways to Zion in our hearts? Are we consumed with the road of discipleship that leads to glory?
If not, if you have lost your way, why not reflect on this Psalm and pray to the Lord of hosts. Ask him to help you count your blessings in Christ as you follow him through this day.