Psalm 84 has always been so beautiful to me. I love how the Psalmist writes about our hearts being set on pilgrimage and how the Lord takes us from strength to strength, but this week I have been studying the first four verses.
“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.”
The Psalmist seems to be envious of the birds who have made God’s house their home and dwelling place. He longs to be in the Lord’s presence stating in verse 10, “Better 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.”
I imagine him writing these beautiful and poetic words in adoration of our God when he notices the birds and the altars.
The sparrow is a bird that is known as small, common, and insignificant, but Jesus makes mention of the sparrow in chapter 10 of Matthew...
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
I love that the sparrow finds a home in God’s house, His presence. I also love that the same Hebrew word for “home” is used for “families” in Psalm 68:6, “God sets the lonely in families...”
Just like the small sparrow, the lost and lonely find a home and family in God’s presence, the place where they belong. Home, where God’s children learn they are not insignificant to the One who created them and there is a family of God who will walk with them through any valley, yes, even the valley of weeping (verse 6).
The swallow is known as a restless bird always darting back and forth, but even the swallow finds rest in God’s presence. The swallow builds her nest for future generations in His presence near His altar. To me, the nest implies a place of security, safety, shelter, and also vulnerability. We do not have to hide our weaknesses and imperfections in His presence. We can live with our hearts wide open and exposed to His grace and mercy. Restless and anxious hearts become settled and full of peace in His presence. He is a safe place for the weary and broken.
I’m so thankful our God is in the details and nothing escapes His notice. He sees you and you are precious to Him. Yes, His eye is on the sparrow and He most certainly watches over you too, friend. May we long to live in His presence like the birds and this Psalmist.
We have the amazing honor to continually dwell in His presence and also be carriers of His presence to the world.
Yes, Lord, “Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.”
