One Day

Psalms 84:10 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.

This verse is my prayer and my desire, my goal in life. I want to dwell in the courts of the Lord. I would rather fall asleep in the door frames to the Lord's courts, then to dwell in prosperity with the wicked. That's the cry of this pslamist, the cry of King David. Who knew what it was like to dwell in caves on the run for his life. But had also known the lifestyle and privilege that came from being a king. David had a wide selection of places he could have chosen as his dwelling place. But he says I would rather spend just one day in the courts of the Lord, than a thousand elsewhere. I think this was more than just a desire to be in close proximity to his God. David also knew from experience how one day can change someone's life for the better, if God is allowed. Think about these examples...

One Day Abraham is living in the city of Ur, worshiping the local deities, when the King of Glory tells him to pack his bags.

One day Jacob is in fear of returning to his brother, the next he is Israel who wrestled with God. Falling into the loving arms of his older brother.

One day Joseph is in prison thinking the next day may be his last, the next he is second in command to the Pharaoh over all Egypt.

One day David was the youngest of his brother, out tending to his father's sheep. The next he is being anointed King of Israel.

What about Isaiah, Ezekiel, Elisha, Amos? One day they were going about their business. The next they are being made prophets of the Almighty.

One day Daniel was in a lion's Den, the next he was being honored by a King. And that's just the Old Testament.

One day two sets of brothers were fishing, the next as they tended their nets, they were called to be fishers of men.

One day Matthew was collecting taxes, the next he was following Jesus.

One day a thief was being hung on a cross, the next he was in Paradise!

One day Saul was on his way to arrest some Christians in Damascus, the next Paul was having his sight restored.

One day I was lost from God, separated from his Grace and on my way to hell, the next I was clothed in Christ and a new creation.

Some will try to tell you that one day cannot make a difference in your life or in the world. But scripture is full of examples that contradict that idea. The best part of scripture is that for Christians, we are promised more than just One Day in the courts of the Almighty. We have an eternal promise of the presence of God, to dwell in proximity and intimacy with the one who loved us from the beginning of all time. One day we will see HIM, and all the bad times, the pain, the sadness will fade. Not because of where we are, but because of who we are with.