How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty. . . . Even the sparrow finds a home there, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young—at a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God!
Devotional Text
Everyone, no matter how small or insignificant, can be included in God’s house. Can you imagine God taking time to record that He is concerned about a swallow’s having a place to nest in His house? God’s house is big and wide. It has room for anyone who desires to come under His shadow and eat from His table. And the fare in God’s house is delightful! Psalm 84 says that the people in God’s house are always praising Him (v. 4). They are always full of strength (v. 7), drawing fresh energy like a tree planted by the waters. Their prayers are always heard (v. 8) because they are so close to Him that praying is as natural as breathing. Furthermore, their needs are always met (v. 11). Luke 17:15-16 tells us how the lowly Samaritan leper found a place in God’s house. Being a foreigner, he was not allowed to enter the earthly temple and show himself to the priest. Instead, he found an even better place at the feet of Jesus, the High Priest over the house of God. Come in and dwell in the courts of the Lord. The door is open, and there will always be a place for you!