"My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord;" ~Psalm 84:1-2

“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 finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at Your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in Your house, ever singing Your praise! Selah

Blessed are those whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah

Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed! 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. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in You!” ~from Psalm 84

This whole Psalm belongs together - how beautiful to see the yearning of the Psalmist who would rather sweep the floors of His building than be an honored guest in some fancy party that is not of God.

Father, instill that desire in us that we may long to be in Your presence - more than anything else. Our minds know this, but let our hearts also. Amen.