“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).
HOW LOVELY IS YOUR DWELLING PLACE
Psalm 84 paints a picture of serenity and comfort. We are comforted from the trials of life in God’s dwelling place.
Each and every one of us who love the Lord has a place to dwell. Jesus confirmed this when he said, “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). The NIV says there are “many rooms”, the NASB 1995 says, “dwelling places”. Either way we get the picture. And even the smallest creatures like sparrows and swallows tell the story that there is room for us all, near the fragrant heart of God.
God has his plans, and we are included in them. We ought never to think that we’ve been forgotten or overlooked by the Lord. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care” (Matt 10:29).
The sparrow has found a home, hallelujah, we also have found a home in Christ, we belong to him and are included in him. “You also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth” (Eph 1:13).
This world is not our home, and yet even here on earth the Lord has a place for us, a place where we can serve him and help in the great work of salvation.
We all have a part to play in building the temple of the Lord, we all have jobs to do in moving the kingdom of light forward as it encroaches upon the darkness.
“The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Matt 4:16). Yes, a light has dawned and that light will continue to get brighter. The day had dawned and moves forward to the full light of day.
The birds of the air are alerted by the daylight, and as a result they begin their flights across the land. We also have seen the light and are mobilised to work for the King of kings. Our work for him is different for each one of us, but it all counts and helps bring the day to light.
“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day” (Prov 4:18).
So we thank the Lord for the place he has reserved for us, here on earth and in the heavens. We pray that we will stay in our lane and accomplish all that the Lord has planned for us.
“He blesses the dwelling of the righteous” (Prov 3:33).