“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.”
(Psalm 84:3 NIV)
Psalm 84 expresses a deep longing to be near the Lord. When this psalm was written, the temple in Jerusalem was the place where God’s presence was experienced in a special way. That is why the psalmist declares, “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” (Psalm 84:10 NIV)
The temple was a large and impressive building, but only its inner sanctuary was covered. There the priests offered incense, and there stood the ark of the covenant. Surrounding it were the temple courts—walled, but open to the sky. Birds could freely fly in and out of these courts. This image deeply moves the psalmist. Even a tiny bird finds a place in God’s house. It can build a nest there and raise its young. What a blessing to dwell so close to the Almighty!
Today, the temple in Jerusalem no longer stands. Yet God still has a place where His presence is experienced in a special way: His worldwide church. This is not a building, but a community of people who gather to worship and serve Him together. Jesus promised, “Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20 NIV).
Is it your desire to live close to God? What role does the church play in helping you do that — in small groups or larger gatherings?