Psalm 84:10 states, “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.” This verse poetically expresses the Psalmist’s intense desire to be in God’s presence and the joy and fulfillment he finds in worshipping God. Let’s explore what makes a day in God’s courts so meaningful and precious.
God’s Presence is There
Most fundamentally, God’s courts or tabernacle/temple represent God’s presence and glory. The Psalmist yearns to be where God’s presence dwells, suggesting anywhere else pales in comparison. In God’s courts, we encounter his glory, grace, truth, and love in a powerful way. Through worship and prayer, we meet with God and receive from him in a way that overshadows anything the world offers. Just basking in God’s presence for a day refreshes our souls more than the greatest joys on earth could.
We Were Created for Worship
God designed human beings to connect with him, worship him, and glorify him. Worshipping God fulfills our purpose and aligns our lives with his design. We were created for loving relationship with God, so fulfilling that purpose brings deep joy and satisfaction. A day worshipping in God’s presence taps into the very purpose for which we were created.
We Encounter God’s Beauty and Holiness
In God’s sanctuary, we witness the beauty, holiness, and majesty of God on display. We get a glimpse of the splendor of heaven and the glory of God’s throne room. Encountering such beauty and holiness expanding our minds, inspires worship, and fills us with awe. It lifts our perspective beyond the mundane and reminds us of eternal realities.
We Receive Spiritual Nourishment
In God’s presence, our innermost being is nourished and refreshed. Jesus said “man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Time in God’s courts feasts our souls on the living water and bread of life that only Jesus can provide (John 4:10, 6:35). We receive strength, renewal, and sustenance to empower us for the challenges ahead.
We Bring our Burdens to God
Entering God’s courts gives us a place to unburden ourselves and cast our cares upon the Lord (Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7). Through prayer and praise, we can release our worries, frustrations, and sadness to God, exchanging them for his peace and comfort. No other place so powerfully relieves our soul’s burdens as entering God’s presence.
We Join in Corporate Worship
In God’s house, we worship alongside fellow believers, joining our voices in praise to God. There is something powerful about blending our worship with others that magnifies God’s glory. Singing, praying, and listening to preaching together unites our hearts and voices in honoring God. It strengthens unity among believers and spurs us on in faith.
We Hear God’s Word
Gathering in God’s sanctuary centers our day around listening to the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. Immersing ourselves in the truth of Scripture guides our perspectives, renews our minds, inspires obedience, and draws us closer to Jesus. Receiving this spiritual nourishment equips us for living God-honoring lives.
We Participate in the Sacraments
In God’s courts, we can partake in the sacraments Jesus instituted – baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These sacred rituals institute by Christ unite us with him in a powerful, tangible way. Through baptism we testify to Christ’s Lordship and through communion we remember his sacrifice, tangibly connecting with God’s grace.
We Invest in Eternity
Time enjoying earthly pleasures is fleeting, but worshipping God prepares us for eternity. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:20, “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” A day in God’s courts lifts our eyes to eternal rewards rather than temporary gratification. It prepares our hearts for our future heavenly home through the eternal God.
We Experience God’s Blessings
Time worshipping God does not just bless us spiritually but tangibly. Scripture says God bestows grace and favor on those who seek him (James 4:8). He answers prayers offered in faith, working through us and on our behalf. Lives focused on pursuing God’s kingdom and righteousness are enriched and blessed by God himself.
We Participate in Spiritual Warfare
When we worship God, we take spiritual ground away from the enemy. Satan flees in the face of praise to God (James 4:7). Singing God’s praises, praying, hearing the Word – these are spiritual weapons against evil forces. A day in God’s presence engages us in the ongoing spiritual battle against sin and Satan.
We Point People to Christ
As believers worship in spirit and truth, we point others to the greatness and worth of Christ. Our love and devotion reflect his beauty and glory. Joyful worship in church can draw unbelievers to seek the God we worship. Our lives centered around God’s kingdom work become living testimonies.
We Align Ourselves with God’s Mission
Participating in corporate worship connects us to God’s global mission and kingdom work. We support world missions, pray collectively, and unite around kingdom purposes. This big-picture perspective fuels us to partner with God in advancing his gospel purposes.
We Experience a Foretaste of Eternity
Worship in God’s sanctuary gives us a glimpse of the eternal worship we will one day experience in heaven. We get to taste the joy, awe, and celebration we will partake in for all eternity. This future grace spurs us onward in the present with joy and hope.
The Psalmist recognized all these rich blessings that await us in God’s presence. A thousand days pursuing earthly pleasures could not compare to one day delighting in the Lord’s presence. As important as church attendance can be, this passage ultimately points to our need for intimacy with God. May we treasure a close walk with Jesus where we constantly commune with him, our ever-present help and friend.