Heart Songs: Week Three | Entering God's Sanctuary (Psalm 84)Sample

Sing His Praises

Corrie ten Boom told a story about an old monk named Brother Don. Each year on Christmas Eve, he sang a Christmas song for his brothers in the monastery and visitors from the village who attended the special services. This monk had a very ugly voice, but he loved the Lord and sang from his heart. One year the director of the cloister said, "I'm sorry, Brother Don, we will not need you this Christmas. We have a new monk with a beautiful voice."

The new monk sang beautifully, and everyone was happy. That night an angel came to the superior and said, "Why didn't you have a Christmas Eve song?"

The superior was very surprised. "Didn't you hear the beautiful song?" he said.

Sadly, the angel shook his head and said, "It may have been inspiring to you, but we didn't hear it in heaven."

Then Corrie ten Boom would explain, "You see, the old monk with the raspy voice had a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus, while the young monk sang for his own benefit, not for that of the Lord" (adapted from Robert J. Morgan, Nelson's Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations & Quotes [Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000]).

In today's verses, the psalmist celebrated the believer's ability to enter God's presence through praise and singing. Maybe you've been in a service where you heard someone singing off-key. Whether your voice sounds off-tune like Brother Don or you have a natural ability, the key is your personal relationship with Jesus and the music which dwells in your heart.

Read the verses below and answer the following questions:

"Even the sparrow has found a home,

And the swallow a nest for herself,

Where she may lay her young—

Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts,

My King and my God.

Blessed are those who dwell in Your house;

They will still be praising You. Selah" (Psalm 84:3-4).

Practical Observation

1. The psalmist named two birds. Who are they, and what have they found?

2. Why do you think the psalmist contemplated these birds?

Set Mind on God. God created birds to soar through the air and nest in the heights. Birds instantly draw our attention to things above, to life beyond ourselves and our earthly surroundings. "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2).

3. How do you know that the psalmist had a personal relationship with the Lord of Hosts? Do you refer to God as your King, your God? Why or why not?

4. Explain who is blessed and how they express their joy.

Celebration to God. The phrase "still be praising" means a continuous, lifelong celebration of God's glory. Saints who have unbroken fellowship with the Lord have unhindered praises. "Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; and let those who love Your salvation say continually, 'Let God be magnified!'" (Psalm 70:4).

Personal Application

a. Our thoughts can either be drawn toward heaven or dragged down to earth. Where do most of your thoughts lie? What can you do today to direct your thoughts toward God?

b. Using your imagination, build a word altar to commemorate what you are currently experiencing in your relationship with your King and your God (for example: love, praise, adoration, thanksgiving, obedience, honor, help, humility).

c. Those who dwell with God continually praise Him. Write your own personal prayer of praise.

Like the psalmist, on earth, let's be devoted to our sacred duty of serving our living God and singing His praises. In heaven, we will certainly dwell eternally in His presence and live in perpetual praise.