"A Doorkeeper" Psalm 84 I. Introduction. A. The world's appraisal of success is far different from God's appraisal. B. What is attractive to men often matters little in God's sight. C. Jesus asked: Matthew 16:26. 1. Some have sold out at an extremely low price. 2. All of the achievements and glories of this life will not matter at death. 3. The real truth at judgment: II Corinthians 5:10. D. The Psalmist stated it well: Psalm 84:10. 1. Love of God's house: mark of God's people. 2. True worship is a delight to the saved. II. Body. What can we learn from this Psalm? A. The Psalmist loved to worship the Lord: v. 1. 1. "Amiable" means lovely. 2. People do what they love to do. 3. Since he wanted to please God, he found the experience uplifting and gratifying. 4. Loved all that was holy to God. 5. Not a mandatory, dreaded experience--but a cherished time. B. The Psalmist was eager for the next opportunity to serve the Lord: v. 2. 1. Never satisfied he had enough of the Lord's service. 2. His whole being(heart and flesh) longed for service. 3. "Cry out" is literally "sings for joy." 4. Joyless service is unprofitable. C. The Psalmist recognized dwelling in God's house was a blessing: v. 3-4. 1. Even birds know more than some people(claim what God provides for them). 2. The birds found "rest" in the sanctuary God made for them. 3. Those in God's house were continually rejoicing. 4. Contrast the ruler: Mark 10:17-22. D. In God's house the Psalmist found strength: v. 5. 1. Note: v. 6. a. Not in ways of men, not in human approaches, but--in the Lord. b. The Psalmist wanted the way of holiness: Proverbs 6:17. c. "Living waters" in a dry and thirsty land. d. "Hidden sayings" of truth to be discovered. e. "Open mine eyes that I may see.." 2. Recognized the blessings: v. 7-8. a. Righteous turn suffering and calamity into a time of blessings. b. Know the source of strength and help. (1 Appeared before the Lord. (2 II Corinthians 14:16-18. 3. Had the Lord as his shield: v. 9. a. The protection of God was with him. b. To Abraham, God said: Genesis 15:1. c. Thus: Ephesians 6:16. E. Hence, the Psalmist appraisal of being a servant of God. 1. Note the contrast: one day versus 1000. 2. Another contrast: Doorkeeper versus earthly wealth(wanted to be as near as possible to God). 3. The opposite of this attitude: Malachi 1:13. 4. Nothing is really "little" in God's service. 5. The most menial task is an effort to do good and please the Almighty. 6. Sometimes takes more character to do something "small" than something "great." F. The Psalmist knew the source of all blessings: v. 11. 1. Light and protection from Lord(only place sun used of God in this manner). a. Light against darkness. b. Hence: Psalm 119:105. 2. But even more: grace and glory. 3. His promise: no good thing withheld. 4. How some forget where blessings originate! 5. Philippians 4:19. III. Conclusion. A. The Psalmist conclusion: v. 12. B. The Psalmist would do what was necessary to be close to God: How about me? and you? -James L. Yopp