The Threshold of the House of God

Today at work, I found myself cleaning thresholds in preparation for a big event on our church campus. While I scrubbed on my hands and knees, a verse popped into my head:

"I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wicked people." Psalm 84:10, CSB

I stopped scrubbing and pondered this truth for quite a few moments. 

When the author of Psalm 84 spoke of "the house of God," he was referring to the presence of God. Although this author could not physically see God's face with his eyes, he enjoyed being close to Him in daily fellowship. In writing the words of Psalm 84, the psalmist expressed his deep yearning to experience the Lord's closeness through the presence of the Holy Spirit. The entire psalm speaks to the reality that humans can delight in God's presence: 

"How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord of Armies."

"I long and yearn for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh cry out for the living God."

"How happy are those who reside in Your house, who praise you continually."

"Better is a day in Your courts than a thousand anywhere else."

According to these words of truth, sitting in the mere doorway of God's presence is far better than making a comfortable home in the midst of ungodliness. The ways of this world, however enjoyable and attractive they may be, stand in direct opposition to God's character. Abiding in ungodliness ultimately leads to ruin, and sin can never satisfy. The people and pleasures of this world cannot compare to the glory and sweetness of knowing God personally through Jesus!

Christians get to experience more than just the doorway of God's house. We have access to His very throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). Because of the perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection of Jesus, we get to experience relationship with the Most High God. Though our fellowship is imperfect and broken in this life due to the flesh we continue to carry until death, we know the ever-present God personally! God's caring hands constantly encircle us, even when we grieve Him with our sin or fail to feel Him close beside us. With Christ as our Advocate and Intercessor, we can bring every need and praise directly to our loving Father. His peace carries us and His grace sustains us. Nothing can separate God's children from His unconditional, faithful love. Though our lives change from day to day, His presence is a promise that always remains the same! May our hearts seek the beauty of the Lord and the goodness of His presence.