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Illustration for Psalm 84: How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place

Psalm 84

How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place

AdventureJoy

The writer loves God's house so much that he is jealous of the little sparrows who get to make their nests near the altar! He says one day in God's presence is better than a thousand days anywhere else. God is our sun and shield.

  1. 1How lovely is Your dwelling place, O LORD of Hosts!
  2. 2My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
  3. 3Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young— near Your altar, O LORD of Hosts, my King and my God.
  4. 4Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they are ever praising You.
  5. 5Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
  6. 6As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with blessings.
  7. 7They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
  8. 8Hear my prayer, O LORD of Hosts; listen, O God of Jacob.
  9. 9Look with favor on our shield, O God; regard the face of Your anointed one.
  10. 10Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
  11. 11For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk with integrity.
  12. 12O LORD of Hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You.

What it means

Being close to God is better than anything else this world can offer. One single day in His presence is worth more than a thousand days anywhere else. His home is where we truly belong.

A little prayer

Lord, I want to be near You more than anything else. Even one day with You is better than anything the world offers. Draw me close to You. Amen.

Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB)