“The sparrow also has found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even [near to] Thine altars, O Lord of hosts.” [Psalm 84:3] David noticed the altar of God as being compared to a nesting place: a home. We would conclude that he found it a comfortable, safe, nurturing place to abide.

A bird lays her eggs and raises her young in such a place. This resting place provides a place to grow, to be nurtured, and to reproduce. David’s heart was longing to return to this place for his own nurture. “How blessed are those who dwell in Thy house! They are ever praising Thee.” [84:4]

The sparrow is the first bird mentioned. This tiny bird reflects those who feel insignificant, of little value to the Lord or to others. Our loving Father is well aware of those who experience the emptiness of soul. This little one has found a home in Him.

The swallow is the second bird mentioned. Most often we will see them twitting about as restless little creatures ~ so like the restless nature of man, who darts about looking for meaning in life ~ while failing to realize that the dwelling place of God is his or her only true meaning.

David recognizes the beauty of this place. In meditating on it, his hunger and deep longing are stirred. Only here will he, or we, find our spirits quickened and brought to vitality.

The dwelling place of God is not a temple, nor a bird’s nest, but in the very soul of the believer in Jesus Christ. We need not look elsewhere for the resting place; it is divinely planned to be within. How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord.