Scripture:
What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
When they walk through the valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs.
The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.
A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
For the Lord God is our sun and shield.
He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing for those who do what is right.
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.
Psalms Chapter 84 Verse 5-6 and 10-12 New Living Translation (NLT).
Reflection:
Have you ever read something that you have instantly said to yourself “I can relate to that” or ” that’s so true”? Well, dear reader, I did when reading the 12 verse from Psalms 84. The verses really spoke into my circumstances, I really mean this.
It’s so amazing when you look at the scriptures and can see how powerful and transformational God is and how he can change your life.
I was considering including the whole of Psalms 84 as the words moved me to tears thinking back to where I was before knowing God and seeing how far has brought me to. I decided to highlight some of the verses that really touched me and I hope will impact upon you also in a positive way.
When reading the opening verse the Psalmist makes a beautiful declaration in stating that “joy and strength will come to those who set their mind on a journey”. I would describe it as being repositioned where your priorities change, and you are pursuing a journey which can be life-changing.
Sometimes in life, there are seasons in the valley of weeping, I am going to be real in 2015 I walked through the valley of loss following my dad dying. Losing him left me broken in pieces and life became dark and held little meaning. God was able to refresh me and I gained strength.
Encouragement came through friends who supported me and encouraged me to go to church. I made the decision to pursue my journey to follow Him. Some people who truly know me, know that I am a private person, but I wanted to share some of me with you dear reader, to help, support and encourage you to not give up.
I am well aware that when storms, drama and’ beef’ come, they often just arrive and we often panic. We sometimes seek solace in places, individuals or substances which provide us with temporary relief and unsatisfied pleasure which can also be more harmful to us.
Just one encounter with God can change everything. I would go as far to say that one day in God’s presence from my perspective is far richer and rewarding than being in the presence of a so-called “star”
Its beautiful how the writer in the Psalms illustrates the two things which God can provide in terms of warmth ( Sun) when cold times in life occurs and he can be your protector ( shield), when you feel that you are under attack from those who you trusted, or who were supposed to care for you. He can provide us with peace and a second, third, fourth chance.
Seek his presence he will not let you down pursue him remember him on your journey of life, make the turn joy awaits you.
Prayer:
Holy, Holy, Holy to the Lord God Almighty, my protector, my healer and my father.
I receive joy in your presence and strength from you.
I place my eyes firmly to you Lord to guide me in understanding your living word.
Lord, I pray that this scripture will impact positively on the reader be it today or in the future as they walk out their pilgrimage of life.
I pray that they encounter your presence and love. Turn their weeping into the joy.
Order their steps away from danger but into your courtyard, a place of peace which nothing else can compare to.
I ask this to be done in the name of Jesus Amen.
Please do return to read the full chapter of Psalms Chapter 84 verses 1-12.