Psalm 84

Longing for God’s House

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

How lovely is your dwelling place,

Lord of Armies.a

2I long and yearn

for the courts of the Lord;

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

3Even 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.a

4How happy are those who reside in your house,

who praise you continually.a

Selah

5Happy are the people whose strength is in you,

whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.a

6As they pass through the Valley of Baca,A

they make it a source of spring water;

even the autumn rain will cover it with blessings.B a

7They go from strength to strength;

each appears before God in Zion.a

8Lord God of Armies, hear my prayer;

listen, God of Jacob.a

Selah

9Consider our shield,A God;a

look on the face of your anointed one.b

10Better 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.a

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

The Lord grants favor and honor;

he does not withhold the good

from those who live with integrity.b

12Happy is the person who trusts in you,

Lord of Armies!a