“Even the sparrow has found a home…a place near your altar…” (Psalm 84:3)
I like to think that an actual event prompted the words of Psalm 84:3. It’s obvious from the preceding verses that the Psalmist loved the house of God. It’s not hard to imagine that one day, standing quietly in the awesome holiness of the temple, he saw something out of the corner of his eye. What was it? Was it his imagination or had something fluttered above the curtain? His gaze lifted upward. It took awhile for his eyes to adjust to the dimness of the upper part of the temple. Below was the altar of pure and radiant gold – almost too beautiful for human eyes with its dazzling brilliance reflecting the soft light of the candles. But it wasn’t the beauty of these surroundings that filled him with awe each time he entered. It was the holiness of this place. It was the unmistakable Presence – both frightening and comforting at the same time. This was Yahweh’s home – where the awe of His presence hung in the air like a heavy mist. It couldn’t be ignored, and he longed for it and dreaded it in the same breath. Yet, in the midst of this, a movement, a fluttering had urged his eyes upward. Finally, he sees it – a nest. There, above the flawless beauty of gold and candlelight, is an ordinary nest of sticks and sod – and a sparrow. He watches in amazement. He, who enters this place cautiously, even fearfully, watches in silent envy as the sparrow takes flight again – dipping her wing over the altar before returning to her comfortable home. Here, in Yahweh’s holy place lives a sparrow at home with her God.
When I read Psalm 84:3, I see such a picture of grace. I see God’s willingness to let me dwell among His holy things, to dip my wings over His altar, and to enjoy the glory of His presence. I see me – that ordinary sparrow privileged to build my nest among the holy things of God.
Come and enjoy the view with me!
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having just read todays blog I am once again reminded of Gods great care for me..He cares for, watches over His creation…the little sparrow…how much more then does my God care for and watch over me! Today Oh Lord I will sit quietly at your altar and breathe you in!
What a wonderful picture of God’s Grace!! Thankful to get a glimpse! What a wonderful blog. I look forward to reading more….
This is such a good idea you have such a talent with words what an inspiration this blog is I too look forward to reading more…
I enjoyed reading this look forward in upcoming issues
I love the poem and the thought that, as God cares for the sparrow, of which the Bible says “two are sold for a farthing,” how much more He cares for me and my needs and is abundant in grace and mercy, undeserving, unworthy as I am. As we have “received,” we need to be channels through whom His grace flows and is “given” to others. “Freely you have received, freely give.”
I really appreciated your blog…am visiting with family and read it out loud to all in the room – a sweet moment of worship together…I never cease to be amazed at just how much God loves me and the millions of ways He tells me through His Word! Thanks for your insight.
What a wonderful thought this is. My daughter Hope read this to us all and we enjoyed it very much. Thankyou for sharing your thoughts with us.
Yes! What a beautiful picture and insight. So glad you’re blogging. Father has given you much to share. I’m excited for you and this step you’re taking to “write His answer.” Love you – Marlene
I attend a church that has contemporary worship and I truely sense God in the midst..but the last few weeks as I wait upon the Lord I feel such a sense of those old hymns that I grew up hearing. Amazing Grace..truelly is amazing!Just as I am.. Because of what He has done I am His! And yesterday I sat outside in my garden..provided by God..enjoying the sunshine on my upturned face..provided by God..feeling the warm air swirl around me…provided by God and the quiet and peace of that moment..while in the midst of some very real struggles waiting for God to move..I can say from the very depths of my heart that all is well with my soul!!!
Then I read that you are seeing God in the wait time..as He is showing me! How wonderfully Amazing is our God!
May I too enjoy the wait seeing Gods hand all around me!!