Just One Day in His Court
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| St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City |
In the Old Testament, the Lord’s temple and His courts was a physical dwelling place. It was here that the psalmist longed to dwell, near the presence of the Lord in the Holy of Holies. For here God’s people could find peace within their souls and peace from their enemies that surrounded them. Here, they whispered their heartfelt prayers to Yahweh, and found Him faithful to fill them with strength. The Lord’s favor and honor rested upon them, and He became their sun and shield. No good thing did the Lord withhold from those who trusted in Him and who walked with Him blamelessly (Psalm 84:5-12).
Isn’t it amazing that when we walk into a church today that is dedicated to the Lord, we can still feel that peace, reverence, and hope. But the Good News of the New Testament is that we, who are believers in Christ, can spend a day in His courts right within our own homes. As we find that quiet alcove, corner, closet or comfy chair away from distractions and settle our minds on Him, His peace rises up within us. There we meet the Lord in His temple, our heart. Talking with Him here, we can find the same strength, protection, favor, and every blessing in the heavenlies that the Israelites longed for when they were far away from God’s temple.
We are blessed because His court is here with us wherever we are and all day long as we pause to dwell on Him.
This song by Chris Tomlin has been running through my mind and singing in my heart:
Your dwelling place
Oh Lord Almighty,
For my soul longs
And even faints
For You
Oh, here my heart
Is satisfied (is sarisfied)
Within Your presence
I sing beneath
The shadow of
Your wings
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
(Than thousands elsewhere)
One thing I ask,
And I would seek,
To see Your beauty
To find You in
The place Your glory dwells
(One thing I ask)
One thing I ask
And I would seek,
To see Your beauty
To find You in
The place Your glory dwells
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
than thousands elsewhere
2005 Bec Recordings/Emd
Where and how do you dwell in the court of the Lord?
Linking up with Word Filled Wednesdays at the Internet Cafe
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What a beautiful WFW… I sincerely enjoyed that. Sometimes it is hard to fathom how blessed we are, to be able to sit with the Lord, meet with Him personally and freely.
Blessings to you today…
Lovely picture!
I am grateful that we can enter into His court on a daily basis! We enter into His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Wow, the creator of the universe allows us to come into His presence! Thank you for the reminder!
Happy WFW!
Beth
Beautifully written, Janis. I’m grateful that I don’t have to go a specific location to dwell in His courts. Sometimes my car, the church building, my bedroom or even my hallway is His courts for me. Have a great WFW!
I love singing that song…but I also love the verse and for some reason I cannot explain it was very real for me in my three years in Bible College.
I love to think that quiet time alone with God and His word is for me a special place of dwelling.
That’s breathtaking, all of it. Thank you.
Yes, indeed better is one day in His courts…
Blessings,
Linda J
you know Janis, this is beautiful…what a reflection! It is indeed better in HIS courts for one day…how often we forget that and try to make this earth something it will never be…
awesomeness!
peace,
lori
Praise God ! What a beautiful picture to illustrate!
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt 6:33
Have a great day!
Sherry
Love this! We sang this song at my husband’s funeral, and everytime I hear it I remember how JOYOUS a time he is having dancing with our Savior in Heaven! Better is one day there than a thousand days here! Amen!
Happy WFW!
Thank you everyone for your insights on this verse and how the Lord has blessed you in your quiet times of dwelling with Him.
May you each find joy, love, comfort, and peace in His courts.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Lovely!
I believe that just one moment in His presence changes lives.. so one day? I’d trade everything!
Amen, beyond beautiful.
Thank you, Denise. Happy WFW!
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
What better place to be than in His presence …
Susan,
No place better!
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Such a joy to find you! I’ve enjoyed wandering and reading…
I LOVED this picture – just an earthly “taste” of what glory we will behold when we see HIS face!!
GOD BLESS!
Very good thoughts! I love that song and often say and sing that verse because I truly feel that I would rather be at church with believers than anywhere else but you are right that we do have that capability within our hearts and in our homes. But there is something about being in church that I absolutely love! Love you, too! Karen
Sharon,
It’s amazing how the Lord reveals something different to each person as He inspires them through His Holy Spirit.
I had to look again at the photo, myself. And then I saw the golden streets of heaven. You are so right. Just an earthly “taste” of what is to come.
Thank you for stopping by and becoming a follower. I’m glad you found it comfortable here.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
We are so blessed to have the Holy Spirit living inside us! I love this line, “We are blessed because His court is here with us wherever we are and all day long as we pause to dwell on Him.”
Thank you for these encouraging words!