Psalm 84 is a very significant Psalm for us, one that teaches us how deeply the psalmist valued being in the house of God. His longing, his delight, and his joy in the presence of the Lord challenge us to examine our own hearts. Does it matter to us to assemble ourselves in the house of the Lord? Do we feel the same longing for God’s presence that this psalm expresses?
The psalmist opens this beautiful chapter with the declaration: “How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts!” (Psalm 84:1, KJV). This is not a cold statement but an exclamation of love and admiration. Is this our exclamation as well? The writer shows a deep thirst to be in the house of God—a desire to draw near, to worship, to dwell, to enjoy fellowship with the Lord. We live in very modern times, and sadly, many believers have lost this longing. Some are indifferent to assembling; others find excuses in work, busyness, or distractions. But the true question remains: Do we desire to dwell in the house of God?
The psalmist continues by saying, “Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee.” (Psalm 84:4, KJV). The author of this psalm declares a powerful truth: the person who dwells in God’s house is a blessed man or woman. Here we can add another beatitude to our list: “Blessed is he who dwells in the house of God.” And why is such a person blessed? Because he or she is living according to God’s purpose for humanity. Since the Garden of Eden, mankind has constantly turned away from this purpose, choosing instead to follow selfish desires. Yet Scripture reminds us that true joy is found in God’s presence—nowhere else.
It is truly a blessing to praise the Lord, to belong to a group of worshippers who gather to glorify the King of kings. Many people are lost in sin and cannot lift their voices in worship. But we, by God’s grace, have been rescued, redeemed, and invited to praise Him. Hallelujah for this privilege!
The psalmist then expresses one of the most beloved declarations in the entire book of Psalms:
For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Psalm 84:10 (KJV)
What a powerful statement! One single day in God’s presence is better than a thousand spent elsewhere. The psalmist would rather stand at the very threshold of God’s house—serving as a humble doorkeeper—than live comfortably among the wicked. This verse confronts our priorities, our affections, and our spiritual hunger. It reminds us that nothing in this world compares to being near God. No pleasure, no possession, no accomplishment can equal the joy of being in His courts.
This is our best option: to dwell in the house of God. Not only to attend occasionally, not only to visit when convenient, but to genuinely desire it—to long for it, to love it, and to prioritize it. A heart that longs for God’s house is a heart alive with spiritual hunger.
Through this article, we invite you to pray to the Lord. If this desire is not yet in you, ask Him to place it there. Ask Him to awaken in you the same passion the psalmist had—a longing to be near God, to worship Him with His people, and to dwell in His presence.
May Psalm 84 inspire us to treasure the house of God, to value fellowship with Him, and to make His presence our greatest delight.
4 comments on “Desire to be in the house of the Lord”
Where do I go if sin is allowed in the house of our GOD?
To see these things happening hurts.
AMEN
Desire to be in the house of the Lord
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Really, many people today act as if they didn’t need to gather with other people at the Church: they prefer perhaps to meet people elsewhere instead of gathering at the local community.
But that attitude contrasts with what the psalmist says:
“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.” Psalm 84: 10
Pious spiritual people long to be in the courts of the Lord’s house, where they can join others to adore and praise the Lord God, all together.
They would rather be like a doorkeeper in the temple of God than in other places where the name of the Lord is not named.
These people refuse to meet wicked men or women who do not love God, nor His Word.
“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” (Acts 20: 7)
The exhortation is that the people of God should join together on the first day of the week to have the Lord’s Supper.
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.”
(Hebrews 10:25)
The day is approaching: so may we take heed of what our Master—who is light and our Sun—says to his people
THANK YOU LORD JESUS CHRIST FOR WAKING ME MY MOM MY WIFE UP TO LIVE TO SEE ANOTHER OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL DAY’S THANK YOU JESUS FORGIVING ME YOUR WORDS AND TEACHING OF THE HOLY BIBLE TO READ EVERYDAY THANK YOU JESUS FOR FORGIVING ME OF MY SINS AND SAVING ME I GIVE YOU ALL THE HONOR PRAISE AND GLORY I LOVE YOU LORD JESUS CHRIST IN YOUR NAME I PRAY AMEN AND AMEN.