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.
Matt Redman sings a song inspired by this verse titled “Better Is One Day.” As I read through Psalm 84, it leads me to reflect on the moments when I feel closest to His presence. Where am I? What am I doing? Why do I feel this closeness?
The authors of Psalm 84 were Temple assistants, the Sons of Korah. These assistants knew that serving even as a doorkeeper was a privilege. It helps me understand that even in the simplest of roles, we can experience His presence.
I can imagine these moments of closeness for them took place inside His temple. For us today, maybe that place is church. I long weekly to get away from the hustle and bustle to meet with God inside His house. While we can pray and meet God anywhere at any time, going into a church building helps us step away from the busy mainstream of life into a place where we can put it all aside to quietly meditate and pray. We can find true joy in the praying, singing, preaching, and fellowship that takes place there.
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.
A pilgrimage involves intentionality and movement toward a holy place. While we can pray anywhere, traveling to gather with other believers requires setting aside time and physical effort. My weekly habit of going to church acts as a mini-pilgrimage—a conscious decision to leave behind daily distractions to encounter God.
Lord, we live in a distracted world that can grip our minds and reactions toward achievement and the next best thing daily. Help us to slow down. Remind us that being in Your presence is what we should be striving for each day. Thank You for reminding me that there is no place in the world that is better than at Your doorstep. Amen