THE PSALM OF THE DOORKEEPER

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 NKJV)

This Psalm has been a favorite with God's people in all ages. When Thomas Carlyle, a Scottish satirical writer, essayist, historian and teacher during the Victorian era, was leaving, in doubt and despondency, his quiet mountain home at Craigenputtock for the untried confusion of London, he quoted this Psalm for comfort to his brother and himself, saying: "I turn my thoughts heavenwards, for it is in heaven only that I find any basis for our poor pilgrimage on earth. As surely as the blue dome of heaven encircles us all, so does the providence of the Lord of heaven. 'He will withhold no good thing from those that love Him.' This, as it was the ancient Psalmist's faith, let it likewise be ours. It is the Alpha and Omega, I reckon, of all the possessions that can belong to man."

In absence and distance, the heart of the true believer turns to God. He believes that he has direct access to Him, and that his prayer will be accepted (Psalm 84:8). David, as the anointed King, had the right to ask that God, who was his shield, should look upon his face; but we have even a better plea, for we may ask that God would look upon the face of His own glorious and beloved Son, and accept us in Him (Psalm 84:9).

Let’s imitate the humility of this man, and be willing to take the lowest place (Luke 14:10-11); but we must be on our guard against being proud of our humility. Some people take the back seats that they may be asked to come to the front. They mistake the Lord's words. It is said that there is always room at the top; it is equally true that there is plenty of room at the bottom; and if men and women will really gird themselves with a towel and wash the feet of the disciples, if they are prepared in the literal sense to be doorkeepers and to give themselves in service, they will be allowed to do their work with little praise save that of the King Himself.

To all such lowly souls God gives grace and glory (Psalm 84:11). With both hands He will give and give again. Only we must practice the habit of taking. Grace is the bud of which glory is the flower. If God has given the one, He will not withhold the other from. (Psalm 84:12). If anything is withheld from us, we may be sure that it is not absolutely for our own good. No good thing will the Father withhold; but He will not give us scorpions, however beautiful their appearance; nor stones, though painted to resemble bread.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, teach us to abide with You in our daily calling, and to realize that each sphere may be a temple for priestly service. In Jesus name I pray, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #140:
All My blessings will overtake those who obey Me.

Deuteronomy 28:2 (WEB)
and all these blessings shall come on you, and overtake you,
if you shall listen to the voice of Yahweh your God.