Where do you wish to be? We’ll hear the writer’s desires in Psalm 84.

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. (verses 1-2, ESV)

Sometimes it is when we are missing something, that we start to realize its value. What do you miss?

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! (verses 3-4, ESV)

Homes may come in all shapes and sizes and are filled with all types of people. For the psalmist being in God’s presences is a place of joy.

Blessed are those whose strength is in you in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion. O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed! (verses 5-9, ESV)

Even in the valley of tears, having God there changes things. There is refreshment and hope.

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! (verses 10-12, ESV)

Sometimes we may fall into thinking it would be better if… However, earthly “betters” are nothing compared to being enveloped in the love of God. We are the truly fortunate ones.

With God is the best place to be.