I love to hear the word “advantage” in a tennis match. At this time the server has the advantage to win the match after deuce. I get excited, especially if the one I am rooting for has the advantage. Advantage means everything is in your favor. It means you have the edge over the other player. It means you have the power now to win a set or win the match.

Psalm 84 give me that same feeling. The psalm is a description of the advantages we have with the Lord being there with us. The psalm divides very simply into three parts and marked off by the little word Selah. Selah means to pause and think of what has just been said. Let me simply share these verses and have you pause and think about what you just read:

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies. I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God! What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises. Psa 84 1-4

Now, pause and think about what you just read!

The psalmist is saying that those who have such a constant habitation in the presence of the Lord as the sparrow or the swallow has in the house wherein it has built its nest will find it easier to draw near unto God, as he makes His dwelling place lovely, always pouring out his Spirit on sincere worshippers.

What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings. They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem. O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer. Listen, O God of Jacob. Psalm 84:5-8

Now, pause and think about what you just read!

The psalmist is saying that even in the midst of trying times, His presence within us can help us navigate through the most difficult moments in our lives. That even in these times, instead of getting stuck, we can find his strength infused within us to help us move on in victory and answer to prayers.

O God, look with favor upon the king, our shield! Show favor to the one you have anointed. A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you. Psalm 84:9-12

Now, pause and think about what you just read!

Finally, he is encouraging us to make seeking, searching and staying in God’s presence a thing of priority. Because his presence makes a world of difference in our lives. It keeps us in a good mood, it keeps our faith fresh and focused, it helps us to never stop praising, and allows us to keep our joy, hope and peace.