Psalm 84 (NRSV)
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Verse 1How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!
Verse 2My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
Verse 3Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
Verse 4Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise. Selah
Verse 5Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
Verse 6As they go through the valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.
Verse 7They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion.
Verse 8O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah
Verse 9Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed.
Verse 10For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness.
Verse 11For the Lord God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly.
Verse 12O Lord of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you.
Devotion
Being the oldest grandchild, I was able to spend weekends, and then longer periods of time, with my grandparents at their retirement lake home. At those times I felt complete and unconditional love. Those experiences granted me joyful learning opportunities. I was at complete peace. The lake provided unique adventures. But as I reflect, today, I realize that it wasn't the location, but the presence of my grandparents; for I had experienced similar feelings in their city apartment as well. As I listen to the words of the Psalmist, it is clear that the "loveliness" of the dwelling place and the happiness of living in the house are due to the presence of the Creator. Living in the dwelling place, the "courts" of God, is to live in the presence—always—of the living God.
Prayer
Dear God, grant that I may always live in you, and you in me; so I may experience the wonder, beauty and love of your dwelling place. Amen.