Show Don't Tell: Psalm 84

Instead of saying "The psalmist longed for God's presence in worship," feel the soul ache. Of the Sons of Korah. "How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." Yearning, fainting, crying out—body and soul desperate. "Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near your altar, LORD Almighty, my King and my God." Even birds nest near the altar—the psalmist envies sparrows. "Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you." First beatitude. "Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion." Second beatitude—pilgrims transforming the dry valley into springs. "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." Doorkeeper—lowest temple position—preferred over palace living. "For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you." Third beatitude. Sun for light, shield for protection.