Do we long to meet with God? Psalm 84:1-4

Can we trust the Psalm titles? They are present in the Dead Sea Scrolls They are translated in the LXX Sometimes the translators had trouble translating special terms No evidence to show they were never there! Compare 2 Samuel 22:1 and Psalm 18 LXX = second century B.C.

Can we trust the Psalm titles? 2 Sam 22:1 “And David spoke to the LORD the words of this song on the day when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul.” Psalm 18 “A Psalm of David. The Servant of the Lord, who addressed the words of this song to the Lord on the day when the Lord rescued him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul.”

This Psalm’s Title The sons of Korath Gittith Probably a musical guild. Singers, not authors Gittith Feminine of “Gath” (Philistine city) “song of the wine presses” (LXX) “upon the lute that comes from Gath” (Targum) Probably refers to the instrument/melody

This Psalm’s Title A Psalm Singing praises accompanied by (stringed) instruments

What is the Psalm About? It’s about pilgrimage The pilgrim is looking forward to meeting with God in His tabernacle

What is the Psalm About? There is a recognition of God’s grace and glory There is a longing to meet with God Fainting when prevented, or considering the possibility? Crying out or singing out? There is envy over those who get to stay there all the time Birds and ministers!

Do We Long to Meet with God? It’s not an overstatement Psalm 27:8 “You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, LORD, do I seek.’” Psalm 42:1 “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.”

Do We Long to Meet with God? Psalm 63:1-2 “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm 107:9 “For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.”

Do We Long to Meet with God? Psalm 119:20 “My soul longs for your salvation….” Psalm 143:6 “I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.”

Why Should we Long to Meet with God? He is the “Lord of armies” He is the “living God” He is “my king and my God”

How do we Meet with God? Corporately (the NT perspective) Much of 1 Corinthians deals with worship directly and indirectly 1 Cor 14:40 “Let all things be done decently and in order…” More fixed and precise organization as time went on (1 Tim 3:1-13) Emergence of doctrinal statements

How do we Meet with God? 1 Timothy 3:16 “God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received…” Liturgical consciousness (blessings, benedictions, confessions, hymns)

How do we Meet with God? There is a clear statement regarding the importance of corporate worship Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

How do we Meet with God? Individually Joshua 1:8 "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.“ Psalm 119:27 “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.”

How do we Meet with God? Psalm 1:1-2 "Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.“ Psalm 77:12 “I will also mediate on all Your work.”

How do we Meet with God? Matthew 6:9-11 "In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread."

As the deer panteth for the water, So my soul longs after you As the deer panteth for the water, So my soul longs after you. You alone are my hearts desire, And I long to worship You. You alone are my strength, my shield; To You alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my hearts desire, and I long to worship You.

I want you more than gold or silver, Only You can satisfy I want you more than gold or silver, Only You can satisfy. You alone are the real joy giver And the apple of my eye. You alone are my strength, my shield; To You alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my hearts desire, and I long to worship You.

You're my friend and You are my brother, Even though you are a King You're my friend and You are my brother, Even though you are a King. I love You more than any other So much more than anything. You alone are my strength, my shield; To You alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my hearts desire, and I long to worship You.