The Psalms are not the Christian’s songbook. Among other things, their writers did not know a risen Lord in glory or have the Holy Spirit indwelling them; but they do prophetically express the feelings of Christ and of those among His earthly people who count on His faithfulness in great tribulation. All Scripture may not be about us, but we can be sure all of it is for us.

Psalm 84 will be fulfilled literally in the future as God brings the redeemed of Israel into millennial blessing (Ps. 72; Rev. 20:6). It is a beautiful expression of their desire (Ps. 84:1–4), dependence (vv. 5–8) and devotion (vv. 9–12) in relation to Him. The sons of Korah who penned it were delivered from the judgment that fell on their rebellious father (Num. 26:9–11). We too have found mercy and grace to be worshipers of God as we travel to fullness of blessing in the Father’s house (Jn. 14:1–4).

The middle section of the psalm mentions highways—viaducts—in the heart (Ps. 84:5). How good to be lifted in spirit above the circumstances of life by the knowledge that we are going home to glory. There will be suffering for us while we are in this world of sin—the valley of Baca, or weeping—but looking up as we go along turns even this to blessing from on high (v. 6).

How else can we go “from strength to strength” (v. 7)? Paul wrote, “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassingness of the power may be of God, and not from us … Wherefore we faint not; but if indeed our outward man is consumed, yet the inward is renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:7, 16). Paul proved this in prison: “I have strength for all things in Him that gives me power” (Phil. 4:13).

We must walk uprightly and confide in God to truly enjoy His help and blessing, but its source lies in His grace and glory, which never fail (Ps. 84:11–12).