“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty. I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the LORD. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home there, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young — at a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God! How happy are those who can live in your house, always singing your praises.” Psalm 84:1-4 (NLT)
Psalm 84 could be called an Israelite contemporary praise song led by the Sons of Korah praise and worship team. Please note that the choir director was directed to play the song according to the Gittith. The New Living Bible translation suggests it means to be accompanied on stringed instruments. The harp and other stringed instruments would lend a comforting quality of sound to the words. A stringed melody would provide the appropriate mood and ambience to this worship psalm.
Today’s passage deals with the first stanza of the Psalm. Note its message carefully. How beloved are your dwelling places, O Lord. What a moving statement of worship! God’s presence is so precious that the worshipper loves every place where he/she encounters Him. In fact, the worshipper yearns to relax where the Living God lives. In anticipation, the worshipper’s “whole being, body and soul” shouts joyfully with desires for God. No weariness or fatigue in worshipping God. His fellowship satisfies the worshipper, but always leaves him/her wanting more of God.
It is so peaceful and comforting in the presence of Jehovah that the sparrows and swallows build their nests there. It is interesting that the Psalmist uses two small songbirds to illustrate his point. Since these tiny songbirds find comfort and safety in Jehovah’s house, how much more shall those who love Him find peace and comfort! What comfort can be found in God’s house and at God’s altar! Without shame or fear, worshippers can bring their requests and supplications to God!
Those who live in God’s presence are the A-Team of worshippers . . . They never finish praising Him! God’s house is a place of prayer and praise.
Dear Father, thank you for being our God. We open the door of our chamber to you. Come and fellowship with us, O Lord. Empower us with unending praise. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the presence of God,