Psalm 84 ~ even the sparrow finds a home

Psalm 84

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio Bible

¹ How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!
² My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.

³ Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O LORD of hosts,
my King and my God.
⁴ Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
ever singing your praise!
Selah

⁵ Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
⁶ As they go through the Valley of Baca
they make it a place of springs;
the early rain also covers it with pools.
⁷ They go from strength to strength;
each one appears before God in Zion.

⁸ O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer;
give ear, O God of Jacob!
Selah

⁹ Behold our shield, O God;
look on the face of your anointed!

¹⁰ For a day in your courts is better
than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
¹¹ For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
¹² O LORD of hosts,
blessed is the one who trusts in you!

We have a little Carolina Wren who lives, as the weather gets cooler, in our front door wreath. It isn't uncommon in our area; a Carolina Wren lives in my friend's flower pot near her backdoor. Our Pastor's wife routinely moves her front door grapevine wreath because they like to nest near people by their doors. I couldn't tell you why. So, right now, I have a prayer request - our 3rd or 4th generation Carolina Wren is in our house flying from room to room - pretty sure it has found the tent wickedness. And ignoring the open door and window. This has happened before and we've discovered they make an amazingly loud chirping in the morning. Except the one time our freshmen geriatric cat found the bird right away. She flew away, but feathers were lost and she looked a little stunned and hurt as if surprised her trip indoors had resulted in a incredible, and astonishing, attack. Prayers for the kitty to stay in the bedroom where he is now.

I love Psalm 84. It is the way we can look to Father God when the wild winds of life howl. God holds our cares like the little nest the Wren burrows into as winter approaches. The nest is just large enough with plenty of nesting materials. Sometimes it holds more than one of them. Mostly they sit quietly together as the door opens and closes. Snug little birds. Until they take a wild hair to dart into their own path. Then prayers are required for God's creature to find the path God intends for the His little creature.

Father God, be with this little bird as this little one hops from room to room looking for the exit. Make the way clear, calm and soothe this one until freedom is found. Thank You, Father God, You care for us and for Your creation. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Matthew 10:29-30
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.


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