Psalm 84

Read Psalm 84 ESV

Who - The sons of Korah to the LORD.

What - A pilgrimage psalm.  The psalmist is writing of the joy to go to Jerusalem and worship at the temple.  

When - Unstated

Where - Unstated

Why - The psalmist is expressing the joy of coming to the temple to worship.  As this is a choir song it is also a song to be sung to help all worshipers find delight and joy in coming to worship the LORD.  It reads as a song to be sung on the way to Jerusalem.  

How - The psalmist opens with declarations of how good and delightful it is to be in the LORD’S house.  Then the psalmist talks about how blessed and what a blessing those on the way are.  In verse 10 the psalmist tells why they have all this joy on going to worship the LORD.  A lowly and unassuming position in the LORD’S house is more satisfying than a place of plenty apart from the LORD.  Why?  God grants favor and blessing to those who trust in Him.  

So What 

1. We don't have to go on a pilgrimage to enjoy the LORD’S presence.  We never have to leave our homes to enjoy intimate fellowship with the LORD.  Nonetheless, we should have and experience this same joy each time we journey to corporate worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  
2. The attitude and heart of this psalm is appropriate when we do go on a “pilgrimage.”  Even something like going to a Christian conference is a form of a pilgrimage.  When we do, it should be with this same joy and delight.  
3. The admonition in verse 10 is still true for us today.  It is better that we serve as a Sunday school teacher in a small obscure class than as a TED talks self-help superstar.  Why?  “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor.  No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.  Oh LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in You.”