No Better Place

A Devotional on Psalm 84

Psalm 84 is a beautiful song about the courts of the Lord. Although we no longer need a physical place to meet with God, like the Tabernacle or the Temple, there is still much to glean from this psalm regarding the presence of God. 

A Place of Joy

Psalm 84 begins by the psalmist exclaiming how he longs to dwell in the courts of the Lord. He says in verse 2 “my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God” (ESV). Being near to God changes us. Our hearts cannot help but rejoice and worship Him. Psalm 16:11 echoes this when David says “in your presence is fullness of joy” (ESV).

A Place of Care

In verse 3, the psalmist says that even the sparrow finds a home in the house of the Lord. We see God’s great compassion as He cares for even the sparrows. Similarly in passages like Matthew 6 and 10, how much more, Jesus says, He will care for His children. Entering into God’s presence means entering into His care.

A Place of Blessing

The psalmist states in verse 4 that those who dwell in the house of the Lord are blessed. He declares that “the Lord bestows favor and honor” and that He withholds “no good thing” from His children (verse 11).

But the greatest blessing of all is the presence of God Himself.

Drawing Close

In verse 8, the psalmist asks God to hear His prayer and give ear to his request. This too is available to us. It is through Christ that God has reconciled us to Himself, and therefore, we can draw near and bring our requests to Him. 

Our God is a loving and attentive Father. He welcomes our prayers. James 4:8 says “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (ESV). He desires to meet with you.

No Better Place

The psalmist reminds us in verse 11 that there is no better place to be than in God’s presence.

For a day in your courts is better

    than a thousand elsewhere.

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God

    than dwell in the tents of wickedness (ESV).

Every small prayer. Every minute spent in His Word. Every moment with God has eternal value.

To be close to God is greater than anything else. There is no better place than in His presence.

Am I longing for something more than God?

How can I dwell with Him today?