Rest in His Courts

A Reflection on the Psalm for Sunday, December 29th, 2024:
Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

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Psalm 84

​R. Blessed are those who live in your house, O Lord.

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. 

​R. Blessed are those who live in your house, O Lord.

Blessed are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. 

​R. Blessed are those who live in your house, O Lord.

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed. 

​R. Blessed are those who live in your house, O Lord.

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. 

​R. Blessed are those who live in your house, O Lord.

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

Psalm 84 speaks to that deep, almost unexplainable longing we sometimes feel – a yearning for peace, connection, and a place where we truly feel at home. As women, we juggle so much – work, family, friendships, commitments. It can feel like there's little time left for ourselves, let alone for moments of stillness or prayer. Yet Psalm 84 reminds us that, no matter how busy life gets, we all have a deep desire for God’s presence in our lives.

​The psalmist calls the place where God dwells “lovely” – and it’s not just a building or a space we visit on Sundays. It’s about finding those moments of quiet and peace, whether in church, at home, or in nature, where we can connect with God. These are the spaces that bring us comfort, renewal, and a sense of belonging.

When we read, “blessed are those who live in your house” (Psalm 84:4), it isn’t about being physically present in church all the time. It’s a reminder that when we take time to centre ourselves in God, we’re allowing His presence to fill us, wherever we are. And when we allow that presence to guide our actions, our thoughts, and our relationships, we bring a little bit of His peace into our busy lives.

The line “For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere” (Psalm 84:10) speaks to the simple truth that moments of true connection with God are priceless. Whether it's a few minutes of prayer in the morning, a walk in nature where we feel close to Him, or a conversation with a friend where God’s love is felt, those moments carry weight far beyond anything else. It’s not about doing more, but about being present with Him in the small, everyday things.

As women of faith, we are invited to find God in the ordinary. It doesn’t always look like grand moments of spiritual clarity. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet of a prayer before bed, a comforting word shared with a friend, or a deep breath when life feels overwhelming. Each of these can be a moment where God’s presence meets us, and in those moments, we find what we need to keep going.

Let’s remember that it’s okay to pause, to breathe, and to acknowledge the deep, unspoken longing we have for God’s peace. Because when we make room for that, we become more grounded in our faith and more connected to the love that is always available to us. 




​ Theresa Langley

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