I recently heard a story from The Vision and The Vow  by author Pete Greig. He tells of how distinguished art critic, Robert Cumming, made a life changing discovery while studying a painting by Filippino Lippi, an Italian Renaissance master. The portrait was of the virgin Mary with baby Jesus along with two saints and was on display in London’s National Gallery.

It had been frequently condemned by art critics for its improper perspectives. Lippi’s skill with color and composition were almost perfect, but his proportions seemed off. The hills in the background appeared to come up over the figures in the forefront; the two saints on either side of Mary were kneeling at impossible angles, and the virgin mother bizarrely seemed to be staring at the ground.

Suddenly, Robert Cumming had a revelation. Lippi’s painting had never been intended to hang in a gallery; it had been commissioned to be hung above worshippers in a church.

The dignified critic dropped a knee in the public gallery. He then saw what art critics had missed for generations. From this new vantage point, Robert Cumming gazed up at a perfectly proportioned piece.

Viewers had to kneel before the infant Christ, and only then did the painting’s foreground flow naturally into the distance. The men eased into more realistic positions as Mary gazed gracefully down at those who had come to worship her Lord.

The painting’s perspective was fine. The perspective of its audience had been wrong. Only when we sit at the feet of Jesus, in the Lord’s presence, do we find things as they should be.

Background on Psalm 84

Psalm 84 is part of the collection known as the Psalms of the Sons of Korah. They were descendants of Korah, a man who led a rebellion against Moses (Numbers 16). Though Korah was judged, his descendants were spared and later became faithful servants in temple worship, playing instruments and composing songs of deep reverence and humility.

Psalm 84 is a pilgrimage psalm, reflecting the heart of a worshiper journeying to the temple in Jerusalem. Usually for one of Israel’s three annual pilgrimage feasts (Passover, Pentecost, or Tabernacles – Deuteronomy 16:16). It was a song sung on the way to or while arriving at the Temple (or tabernacle)—God’s dwelling place.

In a time when God’s presence was uniquely tied to the temple, worshipers longed for that sacred space. Then, worshipers traveled great distances to encounter God at the temple. Today, because of Jesus, we have direct access to God’s presence anywhere (Hebrews 10:19–22). Psalm 84 reminds us to cultivate that same deep hunger for God, and the blessing of being near Him.

Benefits of Dwelling in God’s Presence

Psalm 84 opens with a strong desire for God’s presence. The psalmist says that he yearns, faints, and cries out to be near the Lord. He says the presence of God is so wonderful that even the birds have made nests near God’s altar:

How lovely is your dwelling place,
    Lord Almighty!
 My soul yearns, even faints,
    for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
    for the living God.
 Even the sparrow has found a home,
    and the swallow a nest for herself,
    where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
    Lord Almighty, my King and my God. -Psalm 84:1-3 NIV

After this opening, the psalmist lists the benefits found in the presence of God:

1. Spiritual Strength and Refreshing

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you… they go from strength to strength.” (Psalm 84:5-7)

God renews our strength, especially in life’s hard or dry seasons. The psalmist speaks of going through a valley. We go from strength to strength as we draw near and allow God to grow us in seasons of suffering and pain.

2. Favor, Honor, and Protection

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

When we come near to God—through prayer, worship, or quiet stillness—we are reminded that we’re not alone. He is our sun, lighting our path. He is our shield, guarding us from harm. His presence brings guidance, protection, and undeserved blessings.

3. Purpose and Perspective

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

In His presence, we find what our souls are truly craving: peace, joy, strength, and purpose. The world may promise satisfaction in success, relationships, or comfort—but one moment with God is worth more than all of that. Time with God helps us see life rightly and realign our priorities.

4. Blessings for Trusting Him

“Blessed is the one who trusts in you!” (Psalm 84:12)

God rewards those who draw near to Him and place their trust in Him. These blessings are not necessarily material. The results of trusting God are that we find hope, comfort, peace, and assurance.

We don’t have to wait to go to a building to be near Him. Because of Jesus, God’s presence is always available to us. And in His presence, we are changed. Our perspective like the famous painting can seemed skewed when we look from a worldly perspective, but when we bend down in His presence, we find all we need.

Pause today. Sit with Him. Let His presence be your strength.

Journal Prompts for Psalm 84

• When was the last time you truly felt in God’s presence?

• What do you tend to seek for comfort or strength before turning to God? Why?

• How has God been a “sun and shield” in your life recently?

• Reflect on Psalm 84:10 – “Better is one day…” What are some “elsewheres” that try to pull your attention away from God? How can you choose His courts instead?

• Write a prayer (or use the prayer guide below) asking God to deepen your desire for His presence.

Prayer Guide for Psalm 84

Prayers to Pray in the Psalms

“How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord…” (Psalm 84:1–2)

Prayer:
Lord, my heart longs for You. In the busyness of life, I often forget how much I need Your presence. Today I pause and say: I want to be where You are. Nothing compares to time with You. Fill the empty places in me with Your nearness. Help me find joy, comfort, and strength in simply being still before You. Amen.

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you… They go from strength to strength.” (Psalm 84:5,7)

Prayer:
Father, some days I feel weak, weary, and unsure of the path ahead. But You promise strength to those who seek You. So I lift my eyes to You today. Be my source of hope. Even when I walk through the valleys, remind me that You are with me. Let Your presence renew me and lead me forward, step by step. Amen.

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

Prayer:
Jesus, You are worth more than anything this world can offer. I surrender my distractions, my idols, and my striving. I want to be close to You—just one moment in Your presence is better than a lifetime chasing lesser things. Help me live with this truth in my heart. Make my life a temple for Your glory. Amen.

“Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.” (Psalm 84:12)

Prayer:
God, I place my trust in You. Not in my circumstances, not in my own plans—but in You alone. Teach me to rest in Your faithfulness. Thank You for being my sun and shield, for pouring out grace and goodness on those who seek You. I choose to trust You today, and I believe You are working all things for my good. Amen.