Songs of Summer: Psalm 84 - the Homesick Highway Song (July 16)

Scripture reading - Psalm 84

1      How lovely are Your dwelling places, 
    O LORD of hosts!
2     My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the LORD; 
    My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
3     The bird also has found a house, 
    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.
4     How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! 
    They are ever praising You.

5        How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, 
    In whose heart are the highways to Zion!
6     Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring; 
    The early rain also covers it with blessings.
7     They go from strength to strength, 
    Every one of them appears before God in Zion.

8        O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; 
    Give ear, O God of Jacob!
9     Behold our shield, O God, 
    And look upon the face of Your anointed.
10     For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside. 
    I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God
    Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11     For the LORD God is a sun and shield; 
    The LORD gives grace and glory; 
    No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
12     O LORD of hosts, 
    How blessed is the man who trusts in You!

Sermon Notes

Click here to view/download this morning's sermon notes/slides.

Check out Ryan's favorite psalm - the Introvert's Song

Additional Resources

Here are some resources we recommend as we reflect on the Psalms this summer:

Here is a playlist of some of Mark's favorite Home and Highway songs.

Here are Spotify playlists if you are interested: Spotify "Homesick" songs and Spotify "Highway" songs.

Reflections on the Psalms by C. S. Lewis. This little gem "makes clear their significance in our daily lives, and reminds us of their power to illuminate moments of grace as they teach us about God, Scripture, and the significance of faith." Also available as an audible book. 

A Long Obedience In the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson. This book looks at the Psalms 120-134 -- known as the Psalms of Ascents. This grouping of songs were song as people made their way to Jerusalem for the great festivals. Peterson's exposition is moving, theological, and substantial.  Also available as an audible book.

Perseverance: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is a bible-study based on Psalms 120-134 and Peterson's book. You could use this alone or with others for a summer "Songs of Summer" study/daily devotions.

31 Days to Get the Message: Psalms and Proverbs by Eugene Peterson. The books of Psalms and Proverbs are presented in a thirty-one day audible devotional format. The readings are taken from Peterson's dynamic translation of the Psalms and Proverbs. This might help jumpstart or refresh your devotional habits.