Psalm 84:10: A Heart for Church
Psalm 84:10: For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. [1]
Growing up, I remember dreading going to church, longing for the service’s conclusion, and looking forward to leaving. But this Psalmist sings that “one day” with God is better than “a long time passed” with worldly people. [2] The Psalmist adores God because “the Lord is foremost in” His “heart,” [3] which is a result of the Trinity’s work in the Psalmist. [4]
But why do so many of us feel like my childhood self, rather than the Psalmist when it comes to church? Possibly because we lack “devotion,” “piety” and/or “religious affection.” [5] Works and emotions do not ultimately determine our standing before God. [6] But if we lack love for the LORD’s house, we might want to question our relationship with Christ because “love is its own evidence” of what we value. [7] If God has saved you, and you desire a heart like the Psalmist, pray to Him and He will forgive your lacking worship and grow you. [8] For unbelievers, know that if you are not loving and worshipping the Triune God you serve something that will ultimately disappoint and destroy you. [9] Should you confess your sins, and devote yourself to God, you will have a love and object of worship worth living for, and it will sustain you for all of life. [10]
This blog was written by Seth Dunn
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (Wheaton, IL: Standard Bible Society, 2016), Logos Bible Software. All Bible references will be ESV from here on out, unless noted otherwise.
[2] John Calvin, Commentary on the Book of Psalms Vol. 2, Psalms 36-92. Trans. James Anderson. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House Company, 1981), 364.
[3] Willem A. VanGemeren, et. al. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Psalms-Song of Songs, Vol. 5. Ed Frank. E. Gaebelein. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1991), 542.
[4] Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 11:19, 36:25-27; Hebrews 8:8-10.
[5] William S. Plumer. Psalms: A Critical and Expository Commentary with Doctrinal and Practical Remarks. (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth Trust, 2016), 797.
[6] Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:3-5.
[7] Plumer, Psalms, 789-99.
[8] Plumer, Psalms, 797.
[9] Psalm 16:4. See also Paul Tripp. Sex and Money. (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013), 35 142, 164.
[10] Calvin, Commentary, 351-52.