Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Psalm 51 and Psalm 84

Today you’re invited to memorise Psalm 84:3-4,

“³ Even the sparrow has found a home,
    and the swallow a nest for herself,
    where she may have her young –
a place near your altar,
    Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
⁴ Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
    they are ever praising you.”

First commit it to memory, and then meditate on it throughout the day in light of Psalm 51:11

“Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.“

Written after his adulterous and murderous collapse into sinful depravity, Psalm 51 records David’s desperate plea to be forgiven by the Lord and restored to fellowship with the God he loved with all his heart. All he wanted was to be back in the presence of God, declaring His praises and testifying to the wonders of God’s goodness and grace.

Similarly, Psalm 84 expresses a desperate longing for the privilege of dwelling in the house of the Lord, and an insatiable appetite for the privilege of praising God in His presence. The Psalmist even envied the sparrows and swallows nesting in the nooks and crannies of the Temple precinct, for they had a permanent home in the holy place of God’s presence.

Is this our desire and longing too? Let’s examine our own hearts today, and ask the Holy Spirit to awaken in us this same longing for intimate communion with the Lord, and the same appetite for praising Him.

Lord, forgive me for the times I have approached You casually and dispassionately, being more concerned for my own material well-being than for Your presence and glory. Holy Spirit, please awaken my heart to hunger for intimate communion with my God and King, and draw me to the expression of more genuinely passionate praise. Amen.