Thousands of years before Rascal Flatts ever sang “Life is a highway,” another group, “the Sons of Korah” sang about the highways of the heart, shouting to the Lord,
“Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.” (Psalm 84:4-5)
To appreciate these lyrics, we must first understand the context. “Zion” was the name of the hill on which the city of Jerusalem sat, so it became a synonym for Jerusalem itself and, most importantly, the dwelling place of God. Thus the psalm begins, “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!” (Psalm 84:1).
In verses 2-3, the psalmist expresses his own longing to be in the place where God is worshiped, noting that even the little birds instinctively make their nests and raise their young in the nooks of God’s house!
Such is the spirit of those who love to worship God! In their hearts “are the highways to Zion” (Ps. 84:5). In ancient times, many worshipers would travel for days on hot, dusty roads, to get to the temple in Jerusalem. The psalmist salutes these dedicated saints in verses 6-7, saying,
“As they go through the Valley of Baca [“Weeping”] they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.”
That is to say, when the way grows hot and weary, they dig little pits to receive rainwater for their refreshment. They go “from strength to strength,” finding the nourishment they need until they can get to God’s house.
For them it’s not about the building; it’s about the greatness of the God who is worshiped there! They’ll do whatever it takes to be in God’s presence with his people. Why? Because they know and testify to God,
“A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gate-keeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
For the Lord God is our sun and shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.” (Psalm 84:10-11 NLT).
The psalmist ends on a high note, exclaiming, “O Lord of hosts, blessed [happy, content, joyful] is the one who trusts in you!” (Psalm 84:12).
Life is a highway, and so is your heart. Where is it taking you throughout the week and on any given Sunday?