August 23 | Psalm 84

---

DAILY READING

Psalm 84

---

Yearning for the Presence of God

By Michael Guastella

I have always enjoyed the word “yearn.”  It's almost over the top when it is used, but it's such an intentional word. You have to skirt right past "desire" or "want" or even "need." Especially in this context as seen in verse 2, "yearn" is so appropriate.  It is defined as “having an intense feeling of longing for something”.  So this is more than just craving a meal from your favorite restaurant or something like that.  To yearn for the presence of God is something special, because once you have experienced it, nothing else compares. 

This Psalm is always so comforting to come back to, but also just as challenging.  We’re reminded just as the loving embrace of God comforts us in our worst times, the best of times pale in comparison to even a microsecond of God’s presence.  Verses 10 and 11 are two of my favorites.

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” 

I love that perspective – basically saying “take all that I have, because I need nothing more than to simply be with You.”  I am also reminded of Matthew 16:26 which emphasizes the purpose of prioritizing a relationship with God; “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”

The journey to God's presence is not always easy, but Psalm 84 reminds us where our true strength is found: "Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion" (verses 5-7). The "Valley of Baca” can really just represent all of our trials and difficulties of today. Yet, for those whose strength is in the Lord and whose hearts are fixed on Him, even “the Valley” transforms into a place of peace and renewed hope. Our journey through life's hardships can become a source of grace when our trust is in God. He and He alone provides the living water that will sustain us.

Psalm 84 concludes with a powerful affirmation of God's character and the incomparable value of His presence: "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you" (verses 11-12).

God is depicted as both our "sun," illuminating our path and providing warmth, and our "shield," protecting us from harm. He gives grace and glory, and withholds no good thing from those who live righteously. One day in His courts will always be better than a thousand elsewhere.

---

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for being so magnificent that your Presence is something to be yearned. Please give us the focus to only strive to be in your Courts and let us remember that everything else falls by the wayside. You are our greatest treasure, our greatest protector, and our greatest joy.

---

---

About the Author

MICHAEL GUASTELLA

I have been a Hilliard resident since 2022, and have lived in Columbus about 11 years. I am originally from the Cleveland area. I work in downtown Columbus as a government affairs consultant. My wife, Rachael, and I have been attending UALC since early 2024.