Joy In God’s Presence

How lovely is your dwelling place,

O LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

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,

and the swallow builds her nest

and raises her young at a place near your altar,

O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!

What joy for those who can live in your house,

always singing your praises.

Psalm 84:1-4

Unlike the temple musicians of Solomon’s day, we don’t have to go to a specific place to be in the Lord’s presence (1 John 4:13). Like the sparrows at Solomon’s temple, we have the privilege of being at home in the presence of the Lord, for the Spirit is with those who confess Jesus’ name (John 16:7).

We can make our homes and our workplaces sacred places by consciously reminding ourselves of the Lord’s presence and worshipping him. “What joy for those who can live in your house.”

• O Lord, thank you for fulfilling my longing to be in your presence . . .