January 18 Reading Plan

Psalm 81-85 1 Samuel 30-31

 

Listen to the words of Psalm 84

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; 

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked”

 

Think about this profound verse for a minute. 

 

We spend our life chasing after success, fame, fortune, materials, and all sorts of other things that in the end will do nothing but wither away. Yet when it is all said and done, how much of it is really fulfilling? How much of it brings satisfaction? 

 

Yet the Psalmist gets it. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. 

 

In other words, I would rather serve God, and work in his house, than have all the possessions and success, but be covered in the burden and pain of the wickedness around it. 

 

Now think about David. He has ran for his life, hidden in the desert, slept in caves, and fought for his life and the lives of the people with him. 

 

For what? For his kingdom.. 

 

At one point in today’s reading, a large portion of the men can’t even keep going the way they have because they are too worn out. Have you ever felt that way before? 

 

And as we continue reading David’s story, you will see that it only gets worse and muddier as it unfolds. 

 

Don’t you ever get tired of chasing after the things around you? Isn’t it exhausting to try and find success. 

 

But God has created us for more than what we see here and now. He has created us to be in his presence. He has given us the chance to be with him in his courts. And that, is more precious than anything we can chase after here on this earth. 

 

I dont’ know what your are facing today, but I, like you, am always busy! And I wonder if God would’t want us to slow down, and focus on what really matters. After all, better is one day in God’s courts than a thousand elsewhere. Wouldn’t you rather be a doorkeeper in the house of God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. 

 

But here is the beautiful thing. God isn’t satisfied with you being the doorkeeper in his house. He longs to sit with you and dine with you. So it doesn’t stop there. But in order to understand this, you have to stop and rest. You have to let go of everything that only has earthly value, and take a moment to pursue the presence of the Lord. 

 

So, may you let go of the things that wear you down. May you find pleasure in being in the presence of the Lord. And may you be satisfied, as you sit at the feet of Jesus, as he blesses you today!