May 23, 2019
My Favorite Place
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. (Psalm 84:4)
Friend to Friend
The bedrooms of my children house more memories than a library full of books. The doorframes have been gateways to relationship. Access points of intimacy. Invitations to community.
Over the years the space beyond each threshold has fostered fun, friendships, frazzled feelings and family. It’s been a meeting place of life and love. An incubator for growth, depth, conversations and dreams.
The floors have held dance parties, dirty clothes, discipline, and daily drama. The air has held honest whispers and lingering lullabies, screams and songs… prayers, promises and plans.
That space is a place of misunderstanding and tantrums, of teaching and reaching, of decorations and celebrations. A beautiful dwelling place of knowing and being known.
Psalm 84 echoes this type of warmth, joy and depth of connection in the sacred space of our Savior.
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.
(Psalm 84:1-2)
Trust is built. Burdens are shared. Barriers crumble. Tears are caught. Blessing and strength abound in God’s presence. Hope, favor and good things are found.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.
Blessed are those whose strength is in you…
They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.
(Psalm 84:4-5a, 7)
The holy dwelling place of God is incomprehensibly eternal, yet simply accessible with just the whisper of His name. Almighty Lord… Gracious Father… Loving King…
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield. He grants favor and honor (CSB) … He gives us grace and glory. (NLT) No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly (ESV) … from those who live with integrity (CSB) … from those who do what is right (NLT).” (Psalm 84:11)
By grace you and I are invited to dance at His feet, walk streets of gold, and join in the worship that rises continually before His throne. God desires an intimate, personal relationship. So do I. So do I. So do I. One day in His courts, in the beauty of His presence, is surely better than a thousand elsewhere.
Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.
(Psalm 84:12)
Let’s Pray
Holy Lord, You are glorious and good. Gracious and kind. Worthy of all praise and honor. Your presence is a treasure of strength, protection and abundance. My deepest joy comes from knowing You and being fully known. Help me to live with integrity and to trust You more each day. Remind me run to You with everything, especially my love.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Read Psalm 84. Now reflect on the text. What are a few things that stand out to you? What verse resonates most with your heart?
More from the Girlfriends
If you want to read and study the Bible, but don’t know where to start, this is for you! Girlfriends in God cofounderGwen Smith has several online Bible Study options that will guide you on a personal journey with the Lord as you read, record, reflect on and respond to His Word. These studies will help you know what God says about tender topics like forgiveness, healing, fear, depression, relationships and hope. Each study can be done in the comfort of your home and in a timeframe that fits with your personal schedule. Visit www.GwenSmith.net/BibleStudy to learn more.
PS. Have you listened to the GRACEOLOGIE with Gwen Smith podcast yet? Hang out with Gwen and friends as you commute to work, go on walks, exercise, fold laundry, run errands or travel.
Seeking God?
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