A Homing Beacon

There is, within us, a kind of homesickness for a place that calls to us; a soul sanctuary where we will be at peace.

"My heart is restless until it finds its rest in You, my Lord." ~ St. Augustine of Hippo

Scripture

Psalm 84
New Revised Standard translation

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!

My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.

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.

Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise.

Selah

Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

As they go through the valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion.

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob!

Selah

Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed. For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness.

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly.

O Lord of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you.

Photo of a flower

A Tender Yearning by Deborah Beach Giordano

Inspired by Psalm 84

A lovely place, Lord,
a peaceful place,
safe and secure;
Your dwelling place,
O Holy God,

softly calling;

My soul groans
for the divine stillness
that holds infinity in its womb
where we are reborn,

not in storms, or fire, or flood,
but in quietude;
created anew
by the power of Your word

softly speaking;

Those who shelter in Your house
are joyful and unafraid
as swallows nesting under the eaves;

they go from strength to strength
uplifted by Your love,
praising You, O most Holy,
with all that is in them

softly singing;

They make the dry valley
a green pastureland,
fed by streams of living water;

they sow with gladness,
faithfully tend their fields,
and bring home a rich harvest

joyfully singing.

A single day in Your presence
is as a thousand of mere earthly pleasures.
The lowliest servant who waits upon You
lives in splendor greater than kings.

For the Lord God is light and life;
bestowing blessings and peace
to those who follow the Holy Way

faithfully praying.

O Lord of power and glory,
all who trust in You are secure
and enjoy every good thing;

guided by Your wisdom
strengthened by Your love
they go forth in Your name

eternally rejoicing.

Amen.