Ps.84:7 – They go from strength to strength,

Every one of them appears before God in Zion.

This passage has the smell of the New Testament revelation of Christ. Paul spoke of faith to faith and glory to glory. John declared grace upon grace. Whether it is the Apostle Paul, the beloved John, or the sweet Psalmist of Israel each is describing life found in the very presence of God. Paul was describing how our faith soars when we experience Christ. How can we not go from faith to faith, Christ is faith Himself. Paul also described our walk as glory to glory. Every time we experience His presence there is transformation in us. We are proceeding in His presence from glory to glory. John was struck by the grace found in Jesus Christ. He said it was grace heaped upon grace. It is the influence of His grace that brings us into this beauty of holiness. Here is how Spurgeon describes David’s phrase, strength to strength.

“So far from being wearied they gather strength as they proceed. Each individual becomes happier, each company becomes more numerous, each holy song more sweet and full. We grow as we advance if heaven be our goal. If we spend our strength in God’s ways we shall find it increase. Every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. This was the end of the pilgrim’s march, the centre where all met, the delight of all hearts. Not merely to be in the assembly, but to appear before God was the object of each devout Israelite. Would to God it were the sincere desire of all who in these days mingle in our religious gatherings. Unless we realize the presence of God we have done nothing; the mere gathering together is nothing worth.”

This describes the difference between earthly pleasures and the pleasure found in the Lord. The worldly stuff never quite completes us. We need more of whatever; more possessions, more fame, a better high, or a more attractive partner. With Christ David said it is from strength to strength. Of course it is; He is infinite and it is not possible to exhaust His beauty or pleasures. As we draw near our perception of Him increases and our enjoyment multiplies. It is impossible to grow tired of the infinite, He is absolutely beyond description. So as we press on we are proceeding from strength to strength in His presence.