1How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!
2My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
3Even 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. - P150
11For 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.
12Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.
- P151
The psalmist expresses deep longing for God‘s presence, comparing Hisdwelling place to a refuge where even birds find a home. - P151
The psalmist blessesthose who trust in God and find strength in Him. He declares that one day inGod‘s courts is better than a thousand elsewhere and affirms that the Lordis a sun and shield. - P151
The truth is that we are restless because we were created to enjoy perfect communion with God and nothing less will satisfy the longing we constantly feel. - P152
For those who are in Christ, we have begun to taste the fulfillment of this deep desire as we find rest in God’s presence. - P152
And when we are finally home with Christ, our satisfaction will be complete in eternal worship and unending joy. - P152
The Christian walk is a daily invitation to trust that God has greater thingsprepared for us, even when the comforts of this world seem so tempting.
- P152
Though God watches over us and protects us from evil, we need constantreminders to walk faithfully. As we mature in faith, we come to realize thatthe pleasures of sin are fleeting, but God‘s blessings are eternal. - P152
Throughprayer, we remember the joy of being in God‘s presence while also confessing our struggles with sin and recommitting to strive for holiness. - P152
Until wefully experience God‘s eternal glory, we will face worldly temptations. ButGod‘s presence is both our refuge and joy in this fight, and He promises not to withhold any good thing that we need. - P152
Heavenly Father, being in Your presence is a pleasure far greater than anything this world can offer. - P153
Guard my heart from seeking fulfillment in worldly temptations, and remind me again of the joy found in worshiping You and walking with You. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P153
Guard my heart from seeking fulfillment in worldly temptations, and remind me again of the joy found in worshiping You and walking with You. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P153
It is only when we seek God first that we realize He hasalready blessed us with everything we truly need. - P153
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