In the Presence of the Divine

¹ How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD of heavenly forces! ² My very being longs, even yearns, for the LORD’s courtyards. My heart and my body will rejoice out loud to the living God! ³ Yes, the sparrow too has found a home there; the swallow has found herself a nest where she can lay her young beside your altars, LORD of heavenly forces, my king, my God! ⁴ Those who live in your house are truly happy; they praise you constantly. Selah ⁵ Those who put their strength in you are truly happy; pilgrimage is in their hearts. ⁶ As they pass through the Baca Valley, they make it a spring of water. Yes, the early rain covers it with blessings. ⁷ They go from strength to strength, until they see the supreme God in Zion. ⁸ LORD God of heavenly forces, hear my prayer; listen closely, Jacob’s God! Selah ⁹ Look at our shield, God; pay close attention to the face of your anointed one! ¹⁰ Better is a single day in your courtyards than a thousand days anywhere else! I would prefer to stand outside the entrance of my God’s house than live comfortably in the tents of the wicked! ¹¹ The LORD is a sun and shield; God is favor and glory. The LORD gives—doesn’t withhold!—good things to those who walk with integrity. ¹² LORD of heavenly forces, those who trust in you are truly happy!