When pressures mount, instead of withdrawing or exploding or complaining, you and I need to run to our Heavenly Father, throw our arms of faith around Him, and embrace Him more tightly.  Why?  The Psalmist gives us three reasons:

Read Psalm 84

I.  HE IS MY SONG                                                        Psalm 84:1-4

• From Psalm 84:1-4, what are some "themes" for our song? Give the phrases.
• Give phrases from the following verses that reveal a common theme: Isaiah 49:13, 52:9; Job 35:9-10; Psalm 126:5-6.
• What is the common theme in Exodus 15:2? Isaiah 12:2? 2 Samuel 22:1? Give phrases from each verse.
• Give phrases that reveal the common theme in Psalm 28:7, 18:1, 32:7, 126:2.
• What are the phrases that give the common theme in Psalm 42:8? Psalm 59:16?
• Which theme has been lacking in your life? If you have lost your "song," do you need to tune your heart to all the themes given above?
• What are some other "themes" that fill your heart with joy? Give verses.

II.  HE IS MY STRENGTH                                              Psalm 84:5-7

• From Psalm 84:5, what is the source of our strength? If you lack strength, what practical things can you do to draw from the Source?
• From Psalm 84:6, what does God's strength enable us to do? (note: the Valley of Baca is the Valley of Weeping) What do the springs represent? See John 4:13-14 and 7:37-39.
• From each of the following categories of verses, what else does God give us strength to do?
  • Ezekiel 2:1-2; John 5:1-9; Micah 5:4; Jude 24-25
  • Isaiah 63:1; 2 Samuel 22:40
  • Mark 11:25 & Colossians 3:13 with Matthew 18:21-22
  • Isaiah 30:15
  • Psalm 73:26; Isaiah 57:10
  • Hebrews 11:34
• What are you saying you "can't" do?
• What phrase in Psalm 84:5-7 contradicts your protest?
• What encouragement do you receive from Deuteronomy 33:2

III.  HE IS MY SHIELD                                                 Psalm 84:8-12

• Who is our shield? Psalm 7:10
• How does this relate to Ephesians 6:16?
• What difference do you think our proximity to the Shield makes in its effectiveness?
• What are the two primary things we must do to stay close to our Shield? John 15:7, 10
• In each of the following categories of verses, how do we benefit from our Shield?
  • Nahum 2:5; 2 Samuel 22:3; Psalm 18:30, 91:4
  • Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalm18:35, 144:2; Jeremiah 51:11
  • 2 Samuel 22:31; 1 Peter 1:5
  • Psalm 3:3, 5:12, 84:11
• If God Himself is our Shield, what do you think could get past Him?
• How does Job 1:6-12, 2:1-6 indicate that when something unpleasant, unwanted, unexpected, or unplanned comes into your life, it is only with God's permission?
• What has God allowed past the Shield that guards your life?
• Why do you think He has given His permission? John 11:4; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 1:8-9; 1 Peter 1:6-7.

How long has it been since you wrapped your arms of faith around the One who loves you, and embraced Him?  Don't let your problems or pressures or pain or pride keep you from doing so.  This Christmas, give the King for His birthday something He truly wants...a hug from you!

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