EGW WritingsPsalms 84

Ellen G. White

Psalms 84:1-12

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 94, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 94, 1903, par. 20

I have just come up from evening worship. Our lesson chapter was the eighty-fourth Psalm, which contains these words: “How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” [Verses 1, 2.] I long to see Christians who are harmonious in all their parts. It is so sad to see those whose lives are a jumble of opposites. Christians must be Christlike. The life of a true, loveable Christian is the most powerful argument that can be produced in favor of the gospel.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 20a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 20a, 1893, par. 13

“They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. ... Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God (margin, I would choose rather to sit at the threshold), than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a Sun and a shield, the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will be withheld from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” [Psalm 84:1-7, 9-12.]

Psalms 84:2

God’s Amazing Grace

Longing for Heaven and Home, August 31

AG 251.1

My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Psalm 84:2.

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Consecration to the Work

GW92 35.3

There is need of prayer,—most earnest, fervent, agonizing prayer,—such prayer as David offered when he exclaimed: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” “I have longed after thy precepts;” “I have longed for thy salvation.” “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” “My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments.” [Psalm 42:1; 119:40, 174; 84:2; 119:20.] This is the spirit of wrestling prayer, such as was possessed by the royal psalmist. Daniel prayed to God, not exalting himself or claiming any goodness: “O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God.” [Daniel 9:19.] This is what James calls the effectual, fervent prayer. Of Christ it is said, “And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly.” [Luke 22:44.] In what contrast to this intercession by the Majesty of heaven are the feeble, heartless prayers that are offered to God. Many are content with lip-service, and but few have a sincere, earnest, affectionate longing after God.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Secret Prayer

GW 257.2

There is need of prayer, earnest, fervent, agonizing prayer, such prayer as David offered when he exclaimed, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God.” “I have longed after Thy precepts.” “I have longed for Thy salvation.” “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” [Psalm 42:1; 119:40, 174; Psalm 84:2.]

In Heavenly Places

Fervent Prayer, March 7

HP 73.3

There is need of prayer—most earnest, fervent, agonizing prayer—such prayer as David offered when he exclaimed: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” “I have longed after thy precepts”; “I have longed for thy salvation.” “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” “My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments” (Psalm 42:1; 119:40, 174; Psalm 84:2; 119:20). This is the spirit of wrestling prayer, such as was possessed by the royal psalmist....

In Heavenly Places

Longing for Heaven, December 27

HP 368.1

My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Psalm 84:2.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]

MR No. 806—Stephen Belden and Norfolk Island

10MR 131.1

We have a wonderful truth, and our zeal and earnestness should be proportionate to the great truths we profess to love. Make yourselves friends. David exclaimed, “The zeal of Thine house has eaten me up” (Psalm 69:9). “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord” (Psalm 84:2). Christ declared that it was His meat and drink to do His Father’s will. The zeal that comes through such sanctification of the truth makes the believer in the truth powerful, for he is the repository of sacred truth, and as he partakes of the truth he will be a helpful Christian. Zeal should always be uniform, manifesting a holiness of character.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 1a, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 1a, 1896, par. 6

We have a wonderful truth, and our zeal and earnestness should be proportionate to the great truths we profess to love. Make yourselves friends. David exclaimed, “The zeal of thy house hath eaten me up.” “My soul longeth, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord.” [Psalm 69:9; 84:2.] Christ declared that it was His meat and drink to do His Father’s will. The zeal that comes through such sanctification of the truth, makes the believer in the truth powerful, for he is the repository of sacred truth, and as he partakes of the truth, he will be a helpful Christian. Zeal should always be uniform, manifesting a holiness of character.

Psalms 84:3-5

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 52, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 52, 1897, par. 16

When we are in harmony with God, the thought of His honor and glory comes before everything else. No person is to be preferred before God in our gifts and offerings. Let the church place themselves in that position where they will make God’s house their first consideration, where they will honor the Lord by preparing Him a place free from debt, where He can meet and bless His people. If every month you endeavor to bring your offering to the Lord with a true, sincere heart, you will receive the blessing of the Lord. The Lord sees; He reads your desires, and your earnest love for Him, and He will open ways where by you may obtain something for so wise and good an object! Let each individual member of the church feel that he has something invested in the church. He will then feel like saying, “O Lord of Hosts, blessed is the man whose strength is in thee.” [Psalm 84:3, 5.]

Psalms 84:4-10

Radiant Religion

In His Tabernacle, January 30

RRe 32.5

“Happy are they who live within Thy house, praising Thee all day long!” “Better a single day within Thy courts than a thousand days outside!” Psalm 84:4, 10, Moffatt.

Psalms 84:5

Reflecting Christ

Transformation of Character Takes Place Here, October 20

RC 307.1

Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee. Psalm 84:5.

From the Heart

Seek Peace, June 30

FH 193.1

Blessed is the man whose strength is in You. Psalm 84:5.

Psalms 84:5-12

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 93, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 93, 1903, par. 8

You are one of God’s older children. Your children are His little children. Your husband is the priest of the household. You may lean your soul upon his deep affection. If you are separated, you can write to each other. When you write to him, say that I am praying for you both. I have received for him the comforting assurance that the Lord will be His Helper and will keep him by His power. “Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.” “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” [Psalm 84:5, 11, 12.] Christ’s righteousness will go before him, and he will be guided from above.

Psalms 84:7

That I May Know Him

Eternity Before Us, December 30

TMK 370.1

They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. Psalm 84:7.

Psalms 84:10

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 35, 1876

3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, par. 18

Edson, if you can say or do anything to remove the obstacles from Father’s mind of coming to Oakland, do so. If you have nothing to do in this matter, if you have done all your duty, may you be blessed of God, is my prayer. God has given you, my son, talents to improve, not to pervert or abuse. Do not let your selfish, personal interest come in first and you make it an object to secure temporal advantages first while your talents are wrapped in a napkin and buried in the world. “I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God,” said one who knows and speaks understandingly, “than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psalm 84:10. The humblest service in the cause of God is of more paying interest than the most lucrative employment in our own selfish enterprises. It is too sacred and fearfully important a time now in this period of this world’s history for us to be employed in serving ourselves, caring for self with an intensity that is worthy of a better cause. There is a fearful want of faith and trust in God to do those things for us He has promised, if we will cheerfully walk in the path of devotion and humble obedience.

Psalms 84:10-12

Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]

MR No. 1083—An Appeal to Yield to the Entreaties of the Holy Spirit, Obey God Fully, and Share in Christ’s Spirit of Self-Denial and Sacrifice

14MR 14.3

Egypt, in that age the greatest kingdom of the world, offered its highest position of honor to Moses. But he did not accept the alluring temptation; “for he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible.” “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee” [Psalm 84:11, 12]. “A day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” [Verse 10].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 21a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 21a, 1893, par. 16

Egypt, in that age the greatest kingdom of the world, offered its highest position of honor to Moses. But he did not accept the alluring temptation; “for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.” [Verse 27.] “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of Hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee.” “A day in thy courts is better than a thousand: I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” [Psalm 84:11, 12, 10.]

Psalms 84:11

Darkness Before Dawn

Creation Delivered from Sin

DD 60.2

While the earth was wrapped in the fire of destruction, the righteous abode safely in the Holy City. Upon those that had part in the first resurrection, the second death has no power. While God is to the wicked a consuming fire, He is to His people both a sun and a shield. Revelation 20:6; Psalm 84:11.

Our Father Cares

Only One Reminder of Sin, December 29

OFC 375.5

While the earth is wrapped in the fire of God’s vengeance, the righteous abide safely in the Holy City. Upon those that had part in the first resurrection, the second death has no power. (Revelation 20:6.) While God is to the wicked a consuming fire, He is to His people both a sun and a shield. (Psalm 84:11.)

Steps to Christ

Chapter 8—Growing Up Into Christ

SC 67.3

As with life, so it is with growth. It is God who brings the bud to bloom and the flower to fruit. It is by His power that the seed develops, “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” Mark 4:28. And the prophet Hosea says of Israel, that “he shall grow as the lily.” “They shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine.” Hosea 14:5, 7. And Jesus bids us “consider the lilies how they grow.” Luke 12:27. The plants and flowers grow not by their own care or anxiety or effort, but by receiving that which God has furnished to minister to their life. The child cannot, by any anxiety or power of its own, add to its stature. No more can you, by anxiety or effort of yourself, secure spiritual growth. The plant, the child, grows by receiving from its surroundings that which ministers to its life—air, sunshine, and food. What these gifts of nature are to animal and plant, such is Christ to those who trust in Him. He is their “everlasting light,” “a sun and shield.” Isaiah 60:19; Psalm 84:11. He shall be as “the dew unto Israel.” “He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass.” Hosea 14:5; Psalm 72:6. He is the living water, “the Bread of God ... which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” John 6:33.

The Faith I Live By

The Justice of God, December 18

FLB 358.4

The Great Controversy

Chapter 42—The Controversy Ended

GC 673.3

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 42—The Controversy Ended

GC88 673.3

While the earth was wrapped in the fire of destruction, the righteous abode safely in the holy city. Upon those that had part in the first resurrection, the second death has no power. [Revelation 20:6; Psalm 84:11.] While God is to the wicked a consuming fire, he is to his people both a sun and a shield. [Revelation 20:6; Psalm 84:11.]

The Ministry of Healing

God Will Provide

MH 481.1

There are many whose hearts are aching under a load of care because they seek to reach the world’s standard. They have chosen its service, accepted its perplexities, adopted its customs. Thus their character is marred and their life made a weariness. The continual worry is wearing out the life forces. Our Lord desires them to lay aside this yoke of bondage. He invites them to accept His yoke; He says, “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Worry is blind and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. “No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Matthew 11:30; Psalm 84:11.

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 37—The Controversy Ended

4SP 489.1

While the earth is wrapped in the fire of God’s vengeance, the righteous abide safely in the holy city. Upon those that had part in the first resurrection, the second death has no power. [Revelation 20:6.] While God is to the wicked a consuming fire, he is to his people both a sun and a shield. [Psalm 84:11.]

The Story of Redemption

Fire From Heaven

SR 429.2

The Upward Look

God Gives Us What We Need, December 21

UL 369.1

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11.

From Here to Forever

Violent End of the Wicked

HF 408.2

While the earth is wrapped in fire, the righteous abide safely in the Holy City. While God is to the wicked a consuming fire, He is to His people a shield. See Revelation 20:6; Psalm 84:11.

God’s Amazing Grace

Nothing Withheld, November 14

AG 326.1

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11.

The Great Hope (Condensed)

Violent End of the Wicked

GrH_c 53.6

While the earth is wrapped in fire, the righteous abide safely in the Holy City. While God is to the wicked a consuming fire, He is to His people a shield. See Revelation 20:6; Psalm 84:11.

Homeward Bound

The Cleansing of the Earth, December 19

HB 384.6

With God at Dawn

God Withholds No Good Thing, March 19

WGD 80.1

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Ms 6, 1878

3LtMs, Ms 6, 1878, par. 5

He has pledged Himself that if you will be children of obedience and faith, you shall never want for any good thing. He has given you assurance that He cares for you with more than an earthly parent’s love. He has declared in His Word that “no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” [Psalm 84:11.] We may ask infinite blessings of Him without fear that His bounty will ever be exhausted.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 65, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 65, 1897, par. 27

We want you to return to the Lord. “Return, we beseech thee, O Lord of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine; and the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself. It is burned with fire; it is cut down: they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance. Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself. So will we not go back from thee; quicken us, and we will call upon thy name. Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause thy face to shine, and we shall be saved.” [Psalm 80:14-19.] I hope and pray that the words of this Psalm may be the language of your hearts. We have a merciful God. “The Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” [Psalm 84:11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 160, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 160, 1898, par. 14

Consider, before you advance another step. Weigh well the import of the words God has spoken, which show His special favor toward all who love Him. “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ear is open to their cry.” [Psalm 34:15.] “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in his ways. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth him in his hand ... for the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints. They are preserved forever.” [Psalm 37:23, 24, 28.] “The Lord is a light and a defense.” [See Psalm 84:11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 160a, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 160a, 1898, par. 15

Consider, before you advance another step. Weigh well the import of the words God has spoken, which show His special favor toward those that love Him. “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.” [Psalm 34:15.] “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in his ways. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholdeth him in his hand ... for the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints. They are preserved forever.” [Psalm 37:23, 24, 28.] “The Lord is a light and a defense.” [Psalm 84:11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 98, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 98, 1902, par. 27

“Walk in the light.” [1 John 1:7.] To walk in the light means to resolve, to exercise thought, to exert will power, in an earnest endeavor to represent Christ in sweetness of character. It means to put away all gloom. You are not to rest satisfied simply in saying, “I am a child of God.” Are you beholding Jesus, and, by beholding, becoming chanced into His likeness? To walk in the light means advancement and progress in spiritual attainments. Paul declared, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; ... but forgetting those things which are behind,” constantly beholding the Pattern, I reach “forth unto those things which are before.” [Philippians 3:12, 13.] To walk in the light means to “walk uprightly,” to walk “in the way of the Lord,” to “walk by faith,” to “walk in the Spirit,” to “walk in the truth,” to “walk in love,” to “walk in newness of life.” [Psalm 84:11; 2 Kings 21:22; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 5:16; 3 John 4; Ephesians 5:2; Romans 6:4.] It is “perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” [2 Corinthians 7:1.]

Heaven

Chapter 14—The End of Evil

Hvn 131.1

The Earth Purified by Fire—While the earth was wrapped in the fire of destruction, the righteous abode safely in the Holy City. Upon those that had part in the first resurrection, the second death has no power. While God is to the wicked a consuming fire, He is to His people both a sun and a shield. Revelation 20:6; Psalm 84:11.

Help In Daily Living

God Will Provide

HDL 21.1

Lift Him Up

Success for Your Efforts, April 25

LHU 129.1

For the Lord is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11.

Maranatha

Only One Reminder of Sin, December 6

Mar 348.5

Messages to Young People

Watch and Pray

MYP 123.2

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11.

My Life Today

Growth in Grace Begins at Home, April 8

ML 102.1

The Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11.

Our Father Cares

Growth in Grace Begins at Home, February 9

OFC 51.1

The Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11.

Psalms 84:11-12

That I May Know Him

Under God’s Guardianship, May 17

TMK 143.5

I keep saying in my heart, He loves me, He wants my love, and He wants me to be happy. “No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory.” “O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee” (Psalm 84:11, 12).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 174, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 174, 1897, par. 85

Slept better last night. Awoke at half past two o’clock. I render thanks unto my heavenly Father for His blessing, after seeking the Lord in prayer. I go to my heavenly Father as a child in need goes to his temporal earthly father. We know that God must be interested in us, as the earthly parent is interested in his child, but to a much larger degree. I place myself as His child, and in simple faith ask for the small favors as I would ask for larger gifts, believing the Lord hears the simple, contrite prayer. I keep saying in my heart, He loves me, He wants my love, and He wants me to be happy. “No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” “For the Lord is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory.” “O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” Psalm 84:11, 12. I will appropriate His promises to myself, and will be glad in the Lord and ever praise His holy name.