Psalm 84 - Contemporary English Version (CEV)

(For the music leader.[a] A psalm by the clan of Korah.)

The Joy of Worship

1 Lord God All-Powerful,
your temple is so lovely!
2 Deep in my heart I long
for your temple,
and with all that I am
I sing joyful songs to you.

3 Lord God All-Powerful,
my King and my God,
sparrows find a home
near your altars;
swallows build nests there
to raise their young.

4 You bless everyone
who lives in your house,
and they sing your praises.
5 You bless all who depend
on you for their strength
and all who deeply desire
to visit your temple.
6 When they reach Dry Valley,[b]
springs start flowing,
and the autumn rain fills it
with pools of water.[c]
7 Your people grow stronger,
and you, the God of gods,
will be seen in Zion.

8 Lord God All-Powerful,
the God of Jacob,
please answer my prayer!
9 You are the shield
that protects your people,
and I am your chosen one.
Won't you smile on me?

10 One day in your temple
is better than a thousand
anywhere else.
I would rather serve
in your house,
than live in the homes
of the wicked.

11 Our Lord and our God,
you are like the sun
and also like a shield.
You treat us with kindness
and with honor,
never denying any good thing
to those who live right.

12 Lord God All-Powerful,
you bless everyone
who trusts you.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 84 leader: See the note at Psalm 8.
  2. 84.6 Dry Valley: Or “Balsam Tree Valley.” The exact location is not known.
  3. 84.6 and … water: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.