One Day In Your House

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. Psalm 84:10

Growing up I always imagined having the perfect house. One where I had everything I wanted and needed. It would be a place of safety, love, and peace. Everything in and around it would bring me happiness and joy. The thought of it always brought a reassuring smile to my face.

I’m now an adult homeowner with a decent house that I enjoy but one I’m constantly improving upon to better suit my needs and goals. It is a work in progress that I doubt will ever become that perfect place of my childhood dreams.  Yet there is one house that I know will be perfect and that house belongs to the Lord. I often reflect on this verse from Psalm 27 “One thing I have asked of the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life”.

When I think about the Lord’s house and dwelling there, I even imagine doing so for just one day and that makes my heart overwhelmed with too many emotions to capture. I’m flooded with humble tears as I contemplate beholding the beauty of the Lord. To bask in His glory and fill His love face to face, what immense jubilee I experience in my soul. I cannot fathom any other home, in fact, I would agree with the psalmist that being a doorkeeper would be a blessing but there is an opposing force that pulls at me drawing me to a different house.

That house is the world’s house and it is full of greed, selfishness, envy, and pride just to name a few. It’s run by the adversary who tries to make it as appealing as possible to my five senses. I  often fall for it running aimlessly towards what has enticed all my senses. I’ve become numb and build on goals that leave me unsatisfied and drained. The house becomes far from a home resulting in a messy and cluttered mix of ungodly characteristics that trip me up instead of giving me a source of love, peace, and security. One day there is nothing but dread.

This house can never be improved upon as the world’s instructions is its guidelines so the foundation is never stable. In fact the longer I stay in it the more of a shamble it becomes as the pillars of deceit can never support me. I must leave and find my way back to the only one who can save my soul for an eternal dwelling with the Lord. That promise for everlasting residence in the Lord can only come from His son Jesus Christ.

Jesus said these words “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you”. Jesus is preparing the perfect place for my soul.  This place is one where grace and glory will be the welcome mat to home eternal. I long for this place and my heart holds to the promise even if for one day.

By: Rhonie McBerry