Psalm 84

LONGING FOR GOD’S HOUSE

For the choir director: on the Gittith.b A psalm of the sons of Korah.

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,

Lord of Armies.c

2 I long and yearn

for the courts of the Lord;

my heart and flesh cry out forA the living God.d

3 Even a sparrow finds a home,

and a swallow, a nest for herself

where she places her young—

near your altars, Lord of Armies,

my King and my God.e

4 How happy are those who reside in your house,

who praise you continually.f

Selah

5 Happy are the people whose strength is in you,

whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.g

6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca,B

they make it a source of spring water;

even the autumn rain will cover it with blessings.C,h

7 They go from strength to strength;

each appears before God in Zion.i

8 Lord God of Armies, hear my prayer;

listen, God of Jacob.j

Selah

9 Consider our shield,D God;k

look on the face of your anointed one.l

10 Better a day in your courts

than a thousand anywhere else.

I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God

than live in the tents of wicked people.m

11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield.n

The Lord grants favor and honor;

he does not withhold the good

from those who live with integrity.o

12 Happy is the person who trusts in you,

Lord of Armies!p