Dear RTB’ers,
Two psalms today instead of only the one that STS has in their schedule. This correction is our third for our falling short by four days last year.
In today’s first psalm the writer expresses sadness at not being near the temple: My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord… (v. 84:2a). He may be in exile in Babylon exile or he could be in Jerusalem but shut out from temple worship after Jerusalem has been overtaken. But in later verses (5, 6) he appears to be a pilgrim on one of his annual journeys to Jerusalem. Whatever the cause for him being away from the temple, his heart clearly longs for that time again: For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. (v. 84:10) Well said!!
Today’s first psalm spoke of the writer’s absence from the temple; the second psalm (essentially) speaks of his absence from God – for himself and those around him: Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away Your indignation toward us! Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? (vv. 85:4-5) Even as he asks these questions, he is certain of God’s ultimate favor: Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land. (v. 85:9) He than lists a few descriptors for God: Steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness, peace… (v. 85:10) We could list many more. Think of His mercy, His patience, His power… and many more!
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. (v. 84:11b) Somehow, somewhere long ago someone gave me this verse. I don’t remember who or why, but it stuck with me. I have been blessed with many “good things” and I am humbled at the thought that I might have been “walking uprightly”. And if so, it was only because God’s Holy Spirit was walking beside me, leading the way. Way back when and continuing today… Glory!
Blessings.
Fred