Sunday 09:14:14

Psalm 84:1-4 blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever praising - those who dwell in worship are blessed - they find happiness, joy in God's presence Psalm 84:5-7 v 5 "set their hearts on pilgrimage" - journey to God's temple, to his presence. blessed are those who journey to God's presence. v 6 "valley of Baca" "weeping" no physical place identified. Here's the picture - Blessed are those who journey through sorrow to God's presence. A place of springs, rains cover the valley of weeping with pools. The practice of digging cisterns in the desert. In the middle of desert, they would dig holes in the ground or cisterns. Despite the thirsty, dry conditions, they knew the rains would come. v 7 The rains did come, filled the holes like pools in the desert. The. They pass through the desert, from one pool to the next, "strength to strength". Those who go to God in times of sorrow find strength. Even in dry places, you have to prepare for rain. In the midst of discouragement, go to God's presence, prepare for his blessing Discouragement is disorienting, but God is still good. He is for us. Our struggles do not overcome the joy and strength we find in his presence.