Oh to be a swallow!

Psalm 84 In the spring of each year, the swallows return to repair their nests of last year or build new ones. They find the highest point and the safest place to protect their young and are the acrobats of nature with their fast swooping in and out of their nest.  Just as the psalmist loves the Temple and yearns to be there, the swallow yearns to return in the spring of each year when their God ordained internal time clock says now is the time to rebuild, the people of God have a spring calendar date to return for the solemn occasions for worship near the altar of God. 

As the psalmist is pondering these creatures of nature, he notes that just as they seek refuge, so does he. He knows that just like the swallow, those who live in the Temple as well as those who travel the roads to Jerusalem to come to the Temple are the ones who are blessed, because they trust in God. 

Oh to be a swallow high up in the eaves where you can witness the activities of the people of God. Are you like the swallow? Do you yearn to be near the altar of God? Is your ‘nest’ steadfast so it can weather the storms of life?