In this Psalm we catch the heartbeat of a soul that longs for God above all else. The psalmist looks upon the courts of the Lord, not merely as a sacred place, but as the very home of his heart’s desire. His words breathe with love for the nearness of God, for nothing on earth can satisfy him apart from His presence.

To express this holy yearning, he turns to a tender picture: the sparrow and the swallow—small, fragile, and easily overlooked. Yet even these humble creatures are given a place at the altar of the Lord. They build their nests there without fear, resting their young in safety beneath the shadow of His dwelling. It is as though they are quietly testifying that in God’s house there is room for the least and the lowly, and that true peace is found only where He abides.

So the psalmist’s soul aches with desire—not for earthly gain, nor for fleeting honor, but simply to dwell where God is. If even the sparrow finds her home and the swallow a nest for herself near His altar, how much more should our souls yearn to live continually in His presence, sheltered and satisfied in the God who welcomes all who seek Him.

Psl 84
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 has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty; listen to me, God of Jacob.
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.ook on our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one.
Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.