If you could snap your fingers and wind up anywhere, where would you want to be? In full transparency, I’d probably be floating on a lazy river at a resort somewhere in Mexico with an ice-cold lemonade. But on an average weekday, that’s definitely not where you’ll find me.
Some days can feel like an endless cycle of the mundane. Waking up, packing lunches, heading to work or school, washing dishes, changing diapers, grocery shopping—and doing it all over again the next day. Sometimes in the monotony, it can be easy to think, “I’d rather be anywhere but here.”
But what if true joy and contentment aren’t so much about where we are as it is about Who is with us?
I long and yearn for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh cry out for the living God.
—Psalm 84:2
When I was a kid in church, we sang a song about how one day in God’s courts was better than being anywhere else. But I’ll be real—I had no idea what the courts of the Lord actually were. The temple of the Lord was the place He chose for His presence to dwell. Now today because of the Holy Spirit, we get to be God’s temple. How incredible of a gift is that?
These verses in Psalm 84 have been reminding me that as children of God, in His presence is where we belong (v.2). When our hearts and lives are rooted in the Lord, we can go from strength to strength (v.7). Spending one day in God’s presence is better than anything else this world has to offer (v.10)
When we walk through seasons of pain or when we’re longing for peace, maybe that is our heart crying out for God’s presence. Today’s reading reminds us that happiness doesn’t come from our job title, the neighborhood we live in, or living a life where nothing ever goes wrong. Instead, “Happy are the people whose strength is in you.” (v.5)
Maybe the longing we regularly feel in our hearts for more isn’t about more money, friends, or opportunities. Maybe what we really need is just more of God’s presence. I’m so grateful today that, “He does not withhold the good from those who live with integrity” (v.11).
God thank you for the gift of your presence and for the peace that’s available to us because of who You are. Remind us today that in Your presence is where we belong and that true peace and lasting joy only come from You. Amen.
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55 thoughts on "A Prayer of Longing"
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Kate l just read your post today. I am praying for your son and family. It is ok to have questions. In Isaiah God says “come let us reason together”. Discuss with your son why he doesn’t believe. A good book to read together may be I Don’t have Enough Faith to be an Atheist. God Bless!
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Verse 5 is just beautiful. Happy are the people whose strength is in you. There’s something about His presence that makes everything feel good.
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Tina, such wise words “earthly longing is never the reality when you arrive there”. Thank you for sharing your story and such a great reminder that perfect longing can only be fulfilled by God. Praise the Lord for showing you and us!❤️❤️
3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O Lord of hosts,
my King and my God. – Psalms 84:3. What a gray reminder I ALWAYS need to here. I often don’t feel content about this season of life and need this reminder more then I’d like to admit. Happy Thursday ladies!
3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O Lord of hosts,
my King and my God. – Psalms 84:3
God will give us everything we need, not always everything we want, in His perfect timing.
I pray that I would be content in God. Nothing else can satisfy me like he can. I think that so often I am searching for so many superficial things, when really what I am searching for is God. I pray that I would be content in you Jesus l, no matter what happens in my life.
Happy birthday Tina! May my heart and soul long more for my savior! ❤️
I woke up to a cold rainy day. Feels as if fall was already here and summer left without saying goodbye. It is funny how my mood is affected by gloomy days and lack of sunshine. I loved it when I went to bed last night with the sounds of pouring rain and occasional thunders. I resonated with the devo today so much. It could not have come at a better time. Thank you ABBY for comforting and encouraging me through your words today. Sometimes in the monotony, it can be easy to think, “I’d rather be anywhere but here”- amen! Yet in our monotony, God does not withhold any good things from those who live upright. Even the sparrow finds a home and the swallow a nest for herself where she may lay her young. They don’t plant or harvest, or store food into barns, and yet our Heavenly Father feeds them, and how much more precious are we compared to the birds? (Matthew 6:26). How good is God’s heart? To all the mommies who need a home, to care for her young, to the birds in the sky who need a home to shelter from rain and thunders (like one last night), The Lord is responsible for our needs. May we go from strength to strength, each one appears before God in Zion (Psalm 84:7 ESV). How wonderful it is to be in God’s courts. Happy birthday dear Tina, thank you for your beautiful story, as always, you blessed us so much! I am incredibly thankful for you!
Be blessed dear sisters. May the Lord bless us with the ability to see His beauty in the mundane and ordinary things of life.
God’s presence brings me peace!
TINA, your testimony is beautiful. KARRIE – praying for your aunts surgery to go well and for complete recovery. I’m praying for all of your requests as I come to them. I think life is more meaningful when we “do life” with others. Thank you all for being that community for me.
Oh and Tina, I’m going to be 62. I wish we could meet in person! We have so much in common.
This was right on time for me!
My story isn’t quite as Tina’s, but there are similarities. I was antsy to leave my parents home. I married at 21. I have a good relationship with him now, but I left when I was 30 because of his drinking. I dated a guy that was emotionally and physically abusive. Finally got out of that. I now am married to a very kind wonderful man. He has had great success. That caused some friends jealousy. One very close friend said, “If they want to be jealous, tell them to be jealous of the whole package.” My son had a fatal illness. I would give up all the money and material things to have him back. Those things make life easier and harder. It is not always what people think. My story has brought me to God. I crave that relationship. It is the best one we will have on this side of heaven. Just imagine when we get to be before Him!!
Such a great devo today! Definitely spoke to my heart. I long to find my joy in the Lord and not in outward circumstances. I am trying to seek the Lord more and be content in my present situation. When your relationship with the Lord is right, everything else seems to fall in place since it gives you a more grateful outlook on things.
I always hear the quote “it is not who we are…” but then it ends with “but Whose we are”! I am a child of God, I am his temple! What a great reminder when we are longing and searching. I feel like it’s hard to realize this through our life story, as Tina told so beautifully, we just long for something..the next, the spouse, the children, the job, to be loved, to show love, and on and on. BUT Peace, is ONLY through God, when that space is filled. He is ALL we need if we depend completely on him. Which of course is hard, but through many, many mess-ups in life…you come to realize that..hopefully! No it doesn’t mean you don’t have the trials, the ups and downs, valleys and mountains, BUT GOD..it sustains us, and grows us to become what he intends for us!
My mother’s heart now longs to see my son and grands to have a viable relationship with the Lord. It is such a heart-filling gift to have my son be staying with us for the two weeks we are up visiting!
Have a great, blessed day Sisters!
Not sure where this came from but I have in my notes in my Bible v11 “… he does not withhold the good from those who live with integrity (from her who often stumbles).” Lord we long for you because You are the only perfect one- we need you !
“For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.”
Psalms 84:11 NLT
So true. A day in His courts is better than a thousand elsewhere! So thankful for His strength!
I had a moment this week when I really went into a big pity party for myself. It was after spending time with a couple who seem to have everything I don’t have right now, and the next day, I was down in the dumps from comparing my life to their life. It was sad and ugly and not fun at all. Continuing to come to the Word every morning, reading Psalms of praise in the midst of it all, being reminded that a relationship with the Lord is the best longing that my fickle heart can have, sending praises to my God for the things that I DO have and not focusing on what I do NOT have…that has all turned me around. Praise, thanksgiving, that is the posture I want to have continuously. Thank you, ladies, for showing up every day and walking this journey with me and everyone else here.
“God thank you for the gift of your presence and for the peace that’s available to us because of who You are. Remind us today that in Your presence is where we belong and that true peace and lasting joy only come from You. Amen.” (So good!! Thank you, Abby Flynn.)
I was thinking about how in the New Jerusalem (described in Revelation 21:23) we won’t need the sun anymore because Jesus Himself is our light.
@TINA- happy belated birthday!! Thank you for sharing your story with us. @Gramsiesue- it is a bit late now, lol… but also happy belated birthday to you, too! :)
@Karrie- praying peace and grace to your aunt. I’m not sure if she’s a believer, but I understand the fear going into the situation. May she see the Lord near to her and help her in her time of need.
KARRIE – Praying Psalm 16:8 for your aunt right now and praying for the doctor!
Good morning ladies. I’ve been here daily for 3 years now and I feel like my life has slowly transformed due to this morning devotional. I’m asking for prayers for my aunt this morning. She has a tumour wrapped around her aorta as well as many cancerous lymph nodes. She has her first appointment with her oncologist this morning to see what can be done. She’s young, only 67 and having a hard time giving up control as she’s been a nurse her entire life. I woke up to a text from her saying “I’m scared”. This is not like her to even admit that. Please pray that the doctors can do something for her and quickly start her on a treatment. Thank you
There are so many things to long for in this life. A spouse. A family. A nice home. A reliable car. A good church. Friends. Vacations. Good sleep. Tight skin and high metabolism. Youthful energy. ha But, truly, when I long for God and actually seek after Him, I am truly content and at peace. Regardless of the other circumstances. The great thing about longing after God is that He can be found!!! Our longing can be satisfied. Dear Jesus, fill me with longing for You so that I can always be filled and satisfied.
He does not withhold the good for those who live upright.
What a great reminder, Out Father is not looking to hold back His Peace , His Love and anything thing else we need to today. Help Lord to live upright in Jesus name!
v. 2 (NLT) I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord.
With my whole being, body and soul,
I will shout joyfully to the living God.
Thank you ABBY FLYNN, for another beautiful devo! It reminded me of the old, old commercial I saw on TV when I was younger – “Calgon, TAKE ME AWAY! Anybody else remember that?!
TINA, sweet Tina, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Thank you for sharing your heart and how your faith and trust in the One True God has brought you to where you are today. I would love to sit across from you with a cup of coffee! Love you, sister! I am 69 by the way.
SEARCHING – Amen! I have always loved the puzzle piece teaching! Love you!
LYNNE from AL – The big day is finally here! Praying it doesn’t disappoint and that Jack’s surgery goes well with no surprises, that recovery is as smooth as possible, and that you have patience and peace in the days ahead. Love to you, both!
Today’s devotional brought Galatians 6:9 to mind. GrammieSue, I am also reading Safe Harbor! I had read Kisses from Katie years ago with a church book group and love following her and her doings in Uganda. When I was reading Safe Harbor last night she wrote about feeling weary with all the mommyhood work and mentioned Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Blessings to you all and thank you Tina for sharing your heart this morning. Praying for so many requests here for you and your loved ones.
Thank God we don’t have to beg for God’s presence … I’m reminded of a song “Miracles” by LeCrae and KB, “Everyday I’m in Your presence, I’m Your temple” ❤️❤️❤️
Tina, precious Tina. What a beautiful story you have lived.
And this…”If and when there is a LONGING, it is that I am the person He created me to be, living here on earth in the light of Eternity.”
I, too, turned 64 this year. It seems younger than I expected when I was a younger woman looking ahead to my sixties. LOL Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Praying for Jack today @Lynne from AL.
Praying for your son @Kate K (my son kept me on my knees in prayer and now he is a minister to children and students so don’t give up praying). And as I typed that it reminded me that I am continually praying for a prodigal daughter.
Praying…It’s how I begin my days and how I end my days. “My heart and flesh cry out for the Living God”.
Blessings and hugs to you Shes this morning. ❤️
Thank you, Tina. You are one of those people this Psalm refers to as bringing springs of water to the wilderness of Baca. Thank you for your encouragement and hope you bring to all of us who know you through this SRT community.
Longing for a place that will never be fulfilled here on earth… I hold close to Jesus and his love for us even in our most wayward ways… he stands waiting for us.
Thank you for enriching my house. “Better is one day is your courts, better is one day in your house than thousands elsewhere.” This song brings back so many memories, peace, joy and happiness. That’s my God.
Amen
Keep me close to your heart and your presence, Lord. In the midst of my busy work day ahead, may my eyes be fixed on YOU.
TINA – what a testimony! What deliverances, God’s arms always open wide to wrap around you, his sweet child. Thank you for sharing your heart with us – you are so loved by God and your sisters here. ❤️
Our longing for the Lord. I’ve heard many times over the years that the longing, seeking and searching in and through the glittering evil of what the world has to offer – that sadly, many of us know on a personal level – is a fruitless search to find something other than God to fill the God-sized space in our hearts. All the time I spent trying to fill that spot in me, and trying to find a place that I fit in. Only He fits in His spot, and only I fit in the space in His arms reserved for me – to shelter, guide, discipline, love. If only I had understood that many years sooner, if only I would remember it when life is challenging.
Psalm 95:7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. (NIV)
TRACI GENDRON – I hear you! Getting out of my normal routine throws everything off balance, devotions especially.
KATE K – praying for your son, that he would be drawn to the Lord in his unrest. Praying he will share how he started getting off “track”
LAURA – praying for you and your husband in the decision making process
LYNNE FROM AL – praying for Jack and his surgical team today – smooth surgery and swift recovery, and for you, dear sister, in the waiting and adjustments needed ❤️
@Lynne from Alabama, praying Jack’s surgery & recovery go well, & helps to make caregiving easier. @Tina, your openness is beautiful & inspiring. May we each long to be the woman God intended, to shine our light on Him.
@Tina happy belated birthday! We are all so blessed by you, your wisdom, and your vulnerability <3
This is such a good Psalm that ONLY the Lord's presence is what truly satisfies. When we have Him, we have true joy and contentment. No earthly man can satisfy our longing for our great God. His Presence is our home. <3
Lifting up all the prayer requests!
Amen!
Thank you TINA, for your precious life. You have given this She much to think about and pray upon. You are a treasure and I love our psalms through prayer study so we can be open and honest with our fellow She’s. To God be the glory!
“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.” Yes and Amen!
Father fill me with the Holy Spirit and joy that can only come from Your presence. In Jesus name, Amen
I’m struggling with a teen who no longer wants to attend church and says he doesn’t believe. My pastor said, “there is something about being around God’s people.” Then I read today’s devotional—we are God’s dwelling place/temple. There is something about all God’s individual dwelling places joining together in one physical space. Please pray for my son and our family relationships.
MANDY FERRUGIA I was catching up on yesterday’s comments and saw yours about praising in all the moments, not just after asking for help. Thank you for sharing – I was feeling the same and it’s nice to know I’m not alone! LAURA praying for your family, your husband as he makes big decisions, and you as you wait. If you’re like me (nervously pacing, wringing hands, backseat driving) I pray peace over you while you wait!
“The Lord God is a sun and a shield.” Like the sun, he gives us life; he’s our source of light. Like a shield, he protects us and shelters us. Those two words bring much comfort to me.
Good Morning! Here are some notes from the Enduring Word Commentary online. There’s more, but here are parts from the first part of the Psalm.
Charles Spurgeon said Psalm 84 was entitled “to be called The Pearl of Psalms. If the twenty-third be the most popular, the one-hundred-and-third the most joyful, the one-hundred-and-nineteenth the most deeply experiential, the fifty-first the most plaintive, this is one of the most sweet of the Psalms of Peace.”
b. My soul longs: The psalmist’s appreciation for God’s house wasn’t simply because it was beautiful. His soul longed for God’s house, and even faints when denied the privilege of meeting with God among His people.
i. This was deep feeling. Not every love is so great as to make a longing. Not every longing is so great as to make a fainting.
ii. “I have rather – though the expression may seem harsh to some – called this the ‘appetite for God’ than ‘the love of God’…. [The appetite for God] has all the cheerful spontaneity of a natural, even a physical, desire.” (Lewis, cited in VanGemeren)
ii. Boice offered that the sparrow is an example of a bird of small significance and the swallow is a picture of restlessness. Likewise, the insignificant can find his place in the house of God, and the restless man can find his rest (nest) there – near God’s altar.
iii. “It is evidently the design of this passage to intimate to us, that in the house, and at the altar of God, a faithful soul findeth freedom from care and sorrow, quiet of mind, and gladness of spirit; like a bird that had secured a little mansion for the reception and education of her young.” (Horne)
iv. “You and I, dear friends, will be wise if we do as this sparrow did; for she found a house for herself because she looked for it, she found it because it was there all ready for her, and she found it by appropriating it so that it became her very own. Thus may we appropriate the Lord Jesus Christ, by an act of faith, and so make him our very own!” (Spurgeon)
Love that part of the commentary that says in the house at the altar the faithful soul finds freedom from care and sorrow and quiet of mind and gladness of spirit. This is beautiful and possible because of Him! Hallelujah!
Prayers for you all!
TINA – Happy Birthday ❤️
Amen!❤️
AMEN. @ ABBY FLYNN!
When I was 3, my parents separated and my brother and I left with dad for a whole new continent without mum. I missed mum and it didn’t help that my dads new wife, a few years later, didn’t like me.
Fast forward a couple of years and my LONGING to see or even be with mum came to fruition. Dad, bought me, a now 16 year old, a ticket to visit her.
LONGING, is rarely the reality of what you’ve imagined for so long, Trust me!
Mum had had 4 other children with her new husband, and actually it soon became clear, I was the outsider!
I LONGED to return to my dad, but couldn’t, as money was tight, so I LONGED for someone to take me out of the situation. Enter the man who was to be my husband at 18 We started dating, I got pregnant with my first child at 17..life was okay, until the baby was born..just before I turned 18.. and the beating started.. I LONGED again to be out of that situation, but this time the responsibility of a child meant careful planning. I became a single parent, all the while LONGING ,for the love, affection, home with white picket fence etc. I LONGED to be with my daughter when she died.. I tried to join her..
BUT God..
I could go on. I had 2 more children as the years rolled on, always hoping, this was it…
EARTHLY LONGING, IS NEVER THE REALITY WHEN YOU ARRIVE THERE..
I turned 64 yesterday, and I still, sometimes, long for whatever my idea of perfection is!
BUT GOD..
So very thankful for His bringing me to a place of contentment and peace. A place of safety. A place covered in His grace, and mercy and love, ohhh, and the most wonderful hope.. If and when there is a LONGING, it is that I am the person He created me to be, living here on earth in the light of Eternity..
Thank you Lord God, for your goodness grace, and mercy that has brought me thus far, may I, Lord God only long to be in your love, always..
AMEN.
Sorry for the missive…
Happy Thursday dear hearts…❤️
Yes, Lord, “thank you for the gift of Your presence and for the peace that’s available to us because of who You are. Remind us today that in Your presence is where we belong and that true peace and lasting joy only come from You. Amen.”
LYNNE FROM AL – praying for Jack’s surgery today
Praying for other request, too.
Amen!!