NEWS FLASH. I got my first tattoo in Kathmandu, Nepal at the world famous (or at least Race famous) Mohan’s Tattoos yesterday! As I looked at this beautiful sparrow tattooed on my left ribs this morning, I felt OVERWHELMED. In part because I couldn’t believe I actually got the tattoo lol. But, more so because of what this little bird symbolizes to me.
Over the last months, God has highlighted Psalm 84 over and over again as I learn new levels of trust, authority and what my heart song is. As I’ve meditated on these verses, God continues to reveal so much of His heart—and in turn who I am and what it means to make my heart a place of His dwelling. With the help of Moody Bible commentary, I’ve written some of my reflections on Psalm 84 below.
[How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy 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]
Dwelling in the Presence of God (v1-4)
Dwelling in closeness to God is the mark of blessedness, I believe. In our flesh we are rebellious, much like the Sons of Korah were. In our flesh, we have no right to be inside the temple gates and dwelling place of God. But, as God remains faithful to his deep and unfailing covenant, we are allowed the grace of His presence. Each day we are blessed with the miracle of His presence. What a blessing it is to find and focus on God’s presence. We can be the Lord’s guests, enjoying His presence. Every day, every hour, every minute!
[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 of hosts, hear my prayers; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah]
Living in God’s Strength (v5-7)
Blessing comes when we find our strength in God alone. When we live in a place of rest and obedience, trusting that what He speaks is enough. We can simply be still. Then, no matter what happens, we can live in hope. Even when we are passing through valleys, we can trust that the Lord can transform tears and make a dry place a spring of water. We can be people with true strength and hope because of our God. People who claim the promises of who God is can go from strength to strength because he is our wellspring and source. No matter where we go or what our circumstances may be, God’s strength is available to us as we appear regularly before God to recharge. We can have the courage to “appear before the Lord in the place which he chooses” (Duet 16:16), knowing that He will be faithful to not only sustain us, but allow us to thrive—living in His abundant victory.
[Behold our shield, O God; look at the face of our 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. OLord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!” Psalm 84]
Trusting in God’s Grace (v8-12)
God gives grace. There is a joyful fellowship for us to claim in fellowship with God. For a day in His presence is better than a thousand elsewhere. “No good thing does he without”—this action denotes His ongoing and never ending action of graciousness. God not only protects us and provides for us, but grants grace and favor on our life. It is not about simply providing, but abundantly revealing love to His children. I love that God is described as a sun and shield—God’s wrap around presence is the reason for life. He is the giver, protector and redeemer of life.
I love thinking about the sparrow’s nest within the old temple courts in Jerusalem. The nest was probably so simple, but one of the most glorious places to live. Sparrows do not toil or worry. These small birds fly with freedom. They are carelessly trusting–certain that they will be provided for. They can both soar in the sky and and bounce around on the ground. They are guided by the wind. They don’t migrate, knowing their permanent home for their whole life. Their chirps and songs declare authority—but mostly they just sing because that’s what God created them to do. They may seem like the least, but their smallness and home inside the dwelling place of God declares our Father’s great care for His creation.
I love the passage in Matthew 10 that says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows”
Psalm 84 and having the faith of a simple sparrow is a monumental—pushing into new levels of trusting, believing and claiming the hope of full restoration and the glorious worship that is coming on Zion and for all of eternity. This is available for each of us! God is extending more to us. Though we can, at times feel small, the great Father of grace and new life offers us all the promises and hope of Christ. We can claim strength, authority and joy in knowing His promises are true. We can believe that for every moment, for all of eternity our Father has been and will be loving and caring for our souls. He desires and knows us intimately. We also then have the privilege of flying outside the temple gates to those standing outside His dwelling. The lost, the rebellious, the hurting. We can fly to them and share the home that God has created within in the abundant life and victory of Jesus in us.
When we sing our heart song, victory is claimed. We raise our hallelujah. There is a unique and special song written on our hearts that only we can sing. And when we sing, we claim the reality of heaven and God’s never ending presence. Lord of Genesis, let this be a declaration that I will sing your praises and trust you as life continues to be created and recreated all around me!
