Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. — Psalm 65:4
I can only imagine the mindset of David as he pieced together the words of this Psalm. Many things had happened in David’s life up to this point, teaching him lesson after lesson about our dependence on God. Most believe this was written before the temple had been built as well, evidenced by some of David’s statements in verse 1.
As he progresses in the Psalm, he talks about hearing prayer and God’s forgiveness of sin. Then he moves into this verse and describes the blessing of God in the man who God has chosen. Some may try to use this verse to argue in support of a Calvinistic approach to salvation, but that is not the case.
If you study into the original text, the word used for “choosest” is one that has been made acceptable in the sight of God. That is one who is forgiven, one who has been redeemed from sin. If we are saved, we can all understand this blessing David describes in our salvation.
But he continues on describing how blessed we are to be able to approach God, to dwell in His courts, and to enjoy His house. It reminds me of the words of Psalm 103, when the psalmist talks of all the benefits of God.
If we simply focus on things in this world, we may find ourselves often distressed, depressed, and struggling. Even amid the sin, heartache, trials, and temptations, we are blessed beyond measure! Not because of anything we have done, but because of what He has done! Today, reflect on how blessed you are and praise Him!
