S) "10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside.
I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness."
Psalm 84:10 (NASB)
O) This whole psalm sings of the blessings that worship before the LORD brings. The courts mentioned here, are not like the courts of our judicial system. Instead, this is about having an audience with the King. Given the privilege to be in the presence of His majesty. In the context of the Old Testament, this was speaking of the temple of God, which was itself, a carnal representation of what is in heaven. There is hyperbole in the number thousand, used here. This is not a mathematical equation. This is to say, that one day in the presence of the LORD is better than any number outside his courts. Really, this is to say that there is no real comparison. The next sentence in this verse gives us another poetic way to view the value of the presence of the LORD. It's almost like the writer is saying, they would rather be homeless at the door of the Lord, than to have a home among the wicked. That's a powerful statement, that is alluding to communion with God being worth any cost.
A) Many of the lines from this psalm, or at least the concepts, were used in the Matt Redman song, "Better Is One Day" and it is one of my favorite songs to play on the drums.
This whole psalm is a beautiful reminder to me about priorities. Whether I am wrestling with temptation, or I am overwhelmed by time constraints, or I am just feeling stressed, this verse reminds me to put everything in perspective. The first sentence of the above verse, is profound when I consider how much people value their carnal longevity. I hear medical claims about how certain practices will extend my life, or cut years off of it (although in reality, the LORD is sovereign). When I think of it in that literal sense, it begs the question, "How many years would I cut from the end of my life, in order to spend one day in the presence of God?" The answer is disturbingly hesitant. Because of responsibilities and relationships, I suppose I am reluctant to trade away all my years. At the same time, I know how sweet the presence of the LORD is, even here on earth in veiled glory. In practice, I know that I am not being asked to literally trade time, but the posture of my heart should be willing. My priority, should be fellowship with my Lord. He is worthy of my praise. He is worthy of my prayers. He is worthy of my adoration and attention and affection. Perhaps the simplest, best way to reinforce this, for myself, is to routinely worship God without distraction. To devote time to worship without expectation, without hindrance. It's hard to devote my undivided attention, practically speaking. However, the more I do, or at least the more I attempt to do this, the more I will remember and realize the truth of this verse.
P) Father, there is nothing sweeter, nothing more satisfying, than Your presence. Every time I am worshiping, and I can feel Your presence manifested, I am humbled and lifted up at the same time. It's so easy to lose focus, God. It's too easy to forget. Revive my mind, Lord. Revive my soul. Revive my worship. I know I will find You as I seek You, so let me be intent and seek You earnestly. Help me remember the real value of fellowship in Your presence, Lord. You are worth all of my devotion. I never regret time spent chasing You in worship and prayer. Every day, I want to make the conscious choice to forsake dwelling with the wicked, not just to forsake evil, but to reside in Your presence. You are a refuge and a sanctuary to me. Keep me and protect me, and keep drawing me back to You. Have Your way with me, Lord. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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