Longing for God’s Presence (Psalm 84)

Crosspointchurchtx   -   June 3, 2025

Objective: To explore the themes of longing for God’s presence, finding strength in the journey, and experiencing joy in worship, as expressed in Psalm 84.

Opening Prayer: Begin with a prayer asking God to open your hearts and minds to His Word and to guide your discussion.

 

Introduction:

  • Briefly introduce Psalm 84 as a Psalm of Ascent, traditionally sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for worship.
  • Discuss the context of the psalm and its relevance to our spiritual journey today.

 

Reading the Scripture:

  • Read Psalm 84 aloud as a group. Consider reading it in different translations to capture the nuances of the text.

 

  1. Longing for God’s Presence (Psalm 84:1-4)

Key Verse:”How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!” (Psalm 84:1)

  • Discussion Questions:
  1. What does the psalmist’s longing for God’s dwelling place reveal about his relationship with God?
  2. How can we cultivate a similar longing for God’s presence in our daily lives?
  3. What are some modern-day distractions that can hinder our desire to be with God?

 

  1. Strength for the Journey (Psalm 84:5-7)

Key Verse:”Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.” (Psalm 84:5)

  • Discussion Questions:
  1. How does the imagery of a pilgrimage relate to our spiritual journey?
  2. Share a time when you experienced God’s strength during a difficult season. How did it impact your faith?
  3. What practical steps can we take to rely on God’s strength rather than our own?

 

  1. The Joy of Worship (Psalm 84:8-10)

Key Verse: “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” (Psalm 84:10)

  • Discussion Questions:
  1. Why does the psalmist value one day in God’s courts more than a thousand elsewhere?
  2. How can we prioritize worship in our lives, both individually and as a community?
  3. What are some ways we can experience joy in worship beyond the church setting?

 

  1. Trusting in God’s Provision (Psalm 84:11-12)

Key Verse: “The Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor.” (Psalm 84:11)

  • Discussion Questions:
  1. What does it mean for God to be our “sun and shield”?
  2. How have you experienced God’s provision and protection in your life?  3. In what areas do you need to trust God more fully, and how can the group support you in this?

 

Application:

  • Encourage participants to identify one area in their lives where they can apply the lessons from Psalm 84.
  • Discuss practical ways to incorporate longing for God’s presence, finding strength in Him, and experiencing joy in worship into daily routines.

 

Closing Prayer:

  • Conclude with a prayer, thanking God for His presence, strength, and provision. Ask for His guidance as you seek to apply these truths in your lives.