Psalm 84 - The Journey to God's Presence, the Joy of God's Presence

Psalm 84 is a rich expression of longing for the presence of God. The Sons of Korah write from the heart of a pilgrim, yearning not just for a place, but for the God who dwells there. This psalm reveals the unmatched joy of being near the Lord—a joy so powerful that even the birds nesting near the temple are envied. The cry of the psalmist is clear: true, lasting joy is found in the presence of God, and nothing else in this life can compare.

The journey to God’s presence, however, is not always easy. The passage describes a difficult road—one that leads through the Valley of Baca, a place of dryness and sorrow. And yet, those who place their strength in God continue moving forward, growing stronger along the way. In the same way, our own spiritual journeys often lead us through hardship. But God is faithful to refresh and strengthen those who seek Him through His Word, prayer, and worship. His presence sustains us even in life’s valleys.

At the heart of this psalm is a prayer for God to look on His “anointed one.” While this likely referred to Israel’s king, it ultimately points forward to Jesus—the true and greater King, the Anointed One who became our shield through His death and resurrection. Because of Jesus, we have full access to God’s presence. The psalmist’s desperate longing to be near the temple is now our everyday reality. Through Christ, we no longer stand on the outside looking in—we are welcomed in as beloved children of God.

This truth should transform how we approach worship, prayer, and life with God’s people. The psalmist says one day in God’s courts is better than a thousand elsewhere—and that even being a doorkeeper in God’s house is more satisfying than a life of comfort apart from Him. Do we believe that? Do we live like that? God is both our sun and shield, our light and our protection. In Him, nothing good is withheld. Joy isn’t found in the world’s offerings—it’s found in dwelling with God. May we be people who long for Him, who draw near, and who live daily in the blessing of His presence.

Main Idea- True joy is found in the presence of God.

Study Questions

1. What are some things in your life that you often seek for joy, comfort, or satisfaction more than God? How can you turn from your affections to find joy in God’s presence instead?
2. Psalm 84 speaks of going “from strength to strength” even in the Valley of Baca. In what ways have you not relied on God in seasons of dryness? What does it look like to lean on God in seasons of suffering and what good things come from it?
3. How does understanding Jesus as our temple, sacrifice, and high priest shape the way you approach God today? What difference does this gospel reality make in your daily life?
4. What does it mean that we are also the temple and that Christ is the cornerstone of that temple (1st Peter 2:14-16)?
5. Verse 10 says one day in God’s courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. Do your daily priorities reflect that conviction? What practices help you pursue God’s presence consistently?