Monday, April 30, 2012

Yearning for the Courts of the Lord

"How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young -- a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you." (Psalm 84: 1-4 NIV)

There are beautiful homes in this world. There are beautiful places on this earth. Yet, none of them can compare to the beauty of where the Lord lives. Such beauty transcends any physical beauty the eyes may behold.

"Where the Lord lives" is surely worth some contemplation. How can the omnipresent, Living God be contained in one place? How can we enter the "courts of the Lord"? Where is this place He lives? Perhaps a stronger yearning in our soul might help us find him (Jeremiah 29: 13).

We certainly know that where the Lord lives is a safe place. The Psalmist writes, "Even the sparrow has found a home and the swallow a nest." Safe and secure . . . undisturbed. A place to birth one's young. No wonder he proclaims, "How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!"

Oh to rest -- safe and secure -- near his altar! The altar of the Almighty Lord. A personal place near my King. A close relationship with my God. Resting at his altar in constant communion with him. My soul magnifies the Lord: "I have found a friend in Jesus. He's everything to me. He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul. He's the beautiful rose of Sharon. He's all the world to me. With his manna he my hungry soul doth feed."

But I am not satisfied. I want more of his presence. I know that a blessing exists for those who rest where the Lord lives. I want that blessing! I want to be always praising him!

Dear Father, thank you for inviting me to where you live. Empower me to seek you with all my heart and soul. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today yearning for the courts of the Lord,

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