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.
Psalm 84: 3-4
One of my favorite passages of scripture is Psalm 84: 3-4. It was one of the first scriptures I highlighted in my Bible, as a new believer, more than 30 years ago. As a lover of birds, I’m thrilled at the thought of a mother sparrow or swallow building a secure nest for her young near the altar of God. It brings to mind images of trust, comfort, and security.
I spent most of the morning the other day watching a male and female bluebird building a nest in the nesting box along the woods. The bird parents took turns bringing twigs and grass to the nesting box. At one point the female tossed a few sticks out the entrance hole. When it comes to nest building, birds can be picky. Much like us mothers, they want everything to be perfect for the arrival of their young. It was a joyful and peaceful morning watching the miracle of nature unfold.
The psalmist who wrote Psalm 84 was expressing a longing for being in the house of God, where he probably once served in some capacity in the temple. He longs to be at the temple surrounded by others who love God, as we see in following passages:
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. (Psalm 84: 1-2)
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. (Psalm 84: 10)
As I watched the bluebird’s nest building adventure the other day, I was reminded of this precious Psalm. My church has been having only online services since the COVID-19 outbreak. I miss being in church and fellowshipping and worshiping with other believers. While I’m thankful for the online option of church, there’s nothing like being in the house of God.
What a joyous day it will be when we can once again walk through the doors of the church into the sanctuary, join together for worship, and lift up our voices in song. As many churches prepare to reopen in the coming weeks, I wonder if we will all sing a little louder and never again take for granted the ability to get up on Sunday morning and go to church.
In the meantime, we can continue to worship God and sing praises to him at our own personal altars. An altar is simply a sacred place to connect with God. My front porch is often my altar on nice days. I love to take my quiet time basket outside and spend early mornings soaking up the word and lifting up praise and prayers to God. Your altar may be a corner in your bedroom or a bench in a local park where you can be alone with God.
Like the birds, we too can nest near the altar of God, no supplies necessary! Simply find a quiet spot and sit before the Lord offering up your prayers and praises to him. Where do you go to nest near his altar?
