Message summary: If even the smallest creatures can find a home near God's altar, so can you.

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"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" (Psalm 84:3).

During mid-spring through Autumn Brooksyne's delight is her flowers. She has them planted on all four sides of our house. Since we have a number of trees, bushes and flowers we are also blessed with many birds. Each new year we expect to see a variety of nests, and especially appreciate those who don't just build nests high on a branch or in the rafters of our barn/shed; occasionally the bird couple decide to build their house a little lower to the ground.

Several weeks ago Brooksyne discovered a robin was building her nest in a hibiscus tree about 4' tall on our deck (see photo above). It's next to our sliding door and directly outside a window, great for quiet viewing, though we have to be mindful when we're in that part of the house not to disturb her. The robin laid three eggs in mid-July and is now incubating them.

Unfortunately, our smallest dog Rosie, discovered the robin was nesting about a week ago, and it's quite a chore to keep her away as she tries to climb up on the pot for a close-up! Curiosity is one thing but being a predator to the bird is quite another.

The Psalmist draws an illustration from a bird's nest in Psalm 84:3, a gentle reminder of the way God welcomes us into His presence, similar to the bird that finds safety and rest in the shelter of the altar. Much like we observed the robin building her nest near our house in the small Hibiscus tree, perhaps the sons of Korah (identified as the writers at the beginning of the Psalm) had personally observed the birds building a nest near the altar of God.

The Psalm begins: "How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!" The psalmist’s image is striking: even the smallest and most overlooked creatures are drawn to the altar of God. The swallow, known for its restlessness and constant movement, finds a place to settle near the sacred. In the ancient temple, the altar was the center of worship, sacrifice, and the very presence of God. To be near the altar was to be near hope, forgiveness, and belonging.

How often do we feel like restless swallows, flitting from one concern to another, longing for a place to land? Or perhaps, like the sparrow, we feel small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

If you are feeling weary today, or if you wonder whether you truly belong in God’s presence, remember the birds of Psalm 84. They remind us that in God’s presence, there is always room — not just for the mighty eagle, but even for the tiny sparrow. Even if you feel small, unimportant, or out of place, God says, “There is a place for you here.”

If even the smallest creatures can find a home near His altar, so can you. The invitation of Psalm 84:3 is clear: there is a place for us near God’s altar: not because of our strength or worthiness, but because of His welcoming heart.

Be encouraged today!  Hebrews 3:13

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber