Thus far, we have read eleven psalms by Asaph, most of which are laments. They are cries for help from sinful people who feel God is far away. However, the tone changes dramatically as we read Psalm 84, written by the sons of Korah. Almost every verse throb with joy, excitement, and rapture.

At least once a year, Jews would go to the temple in Jerusalem to worship and celebrate a feast. Most commentators believe this psalm was written for these pilgrims to sing on the journey.

The psalm begins in joyful praise of the splendour of the temple. The temple was both renowned for its breathtaking beauty and for being the dwelling place of God. Hence, the singers' desire to be in the temple reflects a desire to be near God. The writer even envies the birds who build their nests near the altar (Psalm 84:3). Like them, he'd love to live in the temple every day (not that people actually lived in the temple).

In verses 5-7, he remembers his journey to the temple as they pass through the Valley of Baka (or ″weeping″). In poetic language, the psalmist imagines the dry land turning fertile as the pilgrims approach the temple. It's as if the people and creation join together in joyful celebration of their God.

The singers then pray for their king, the ″anointed one″ (v. 9). Israel's great hope was to dwell with God under His chosen king, who would rule in justice and righteousness.

The psalmist concludes with the joyful confession that there's nowhere else he'd rather be than in God's temple (v. 10). He ends with a blessing on all who obey (v. 11) and trust God (v. 12), implying that's what we should all do.

For four months, my daughter studied in Jerusalem. She loved her time in that special city. I have many friends who have found visits to Israel a spiritually enriching experience. Of course, there is no temple in Jerusalem now. Jesus foretold its destruction (Mark 13:1-2). He announced the end of the physical temple because He, the true temple, had come (John 2:19-22). Today, we don't go to a building to meet God. We go to Jesus in whom the whole fullness of God dwells (Colossians 1:19). For Christians, everything we read here about the temple is true of Jesus. I'd rather spend a day serving Him than a lifetime serving sin and Satan.

It's also true that together, Christians are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16). Our desire to be in the presence of God should be expressed in our desire to regularly gather with the people of God. This psalm is a reminder of the joy and privilege of being part of God's church.