In the Shelter of the Cross

One year, for the Easter season, our church put a cross of yellow flowers on the church door. To

our amazement a bird began to build a nest there. Soon there were three blue eggs under her

wings. It reminded me of Psalm 84.

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,

Lord Almighty!

2 My soul yearns, even faints,

for the courts of the Lord;

my heart and my flesh cry out

for the living God.

3 Even the sparrow has found a home,

and the swallow a nest for herself,

where she may have her young—

a place near your altar,

Lord Almighty, my King and my God.

4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;

they are ever praising you.

(New International Version)

I don’t know what kind of bird nested there. I don’t think it was a sparrow or a swallow, but

what a brave little bird to nest in such a busy place. It must have really wanted a home for

herself, “a place near your altar, Lord Almighty.” I can relate. There are times when I want

nothing more than to come to God’s house and worship with God’s people. Perhaps even today

your ‘soul yearns for the courts of the Lord’. No matter where you are there is a church near

you. Don’t hesitate to visit.

Mark Miller