The birdhouse hangs in the corner of my porch beneath the eaves, its teal blue paint bringing the color of heavenly places a little closer. Twigs jut out from the circular opening, evidence of a home for momma bird’s little ones — a special chosen dwelling place.

In the ancient juniper next to the house, daddy bird sings his heart out. Day in and day out, rain or shine, blustery or calm, I hear him in the branches — his song fills the air with praise and perhaps love for his beloved nestled in the twigs.

My heart smiles.

I find refuge on my porch. It’s like a sanctuary to me and to know that my sanctuary is the chosen dwelling place for these house wrens delights me beyond words.

While reading Psalm 84 this morning, I considered the wrens and the joy they bring me. I considered their nest among the eaves and I considered my chosen dwelling place found in the Presence of my God — His sanctuary. I considered how I delight in His Presence and how I find refuge there.

“How lovely is your dwelling place,
    Lord Almighty!
² My soul yearns, even faints,
    for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
    for the living God.
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.” ~ Psalm 84:1-4

In His dwelling place I find safety from the storms. His tender watchcare comforts and reassures me as I hide myself in Him. I can sense His delight as He quiets me with His love.

I pray He knows my delight as I consider Him.

Surely He does.

As I rock on the porch, I keep an eye on the birdhouse. Every so often momma bird peers out at me. I’m trying to gain her trust because when it’s time, I want to witness the little ones learning to fly.

The more I share her chosen dwelling place, the more she will trust me.

A melody erupts from the juniper once again — a song of praise.

I want to praise the Lord like that. I want to set up my habitation in His dwelling place beneath heaven’s eaves near the altar and sing praise with abandon to my God … just because.

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in You!” ~ Psalm 84:11-12

Selah

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Thank you so much for stopping by. I would love for you to share what’s on your heart in the comments below. Scroll a little farther down and you’ll see where you can leave your comments. Together, we can find the nearness of God in our darkest moments.

Sweet blessings to you,

NAN