Psalm 84:3-4

Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
at Your altars, O LORD of hosts,
my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in Your house,
ever singing Your praise.
(ESV)

I've seen birds build nests in the letters on the Wegman's storefront. Sometimes birds fly around in Lowes or Home Depot, and they used to be all over the place in Sam's Club.

These verses just make the scene so real and accessible. I picture the psalmist going to the temple to worship, and there in the outer courts, near the altar, he sees a bird nesting.

And what is his response? Is he horrified that a bird's nest has been built there at the altar? Does he try to drive it away? No, he rejoices to see where the bird has its home. He imagines how wonderful it would be to live there in the courts of God, like the bird. He perceives blessing and his heart praises God. He hears the bird sing, and he sings to the Lord with her.

I think we may stay here in Psalms 84-86 for a few days. They are very fortifying, refreshing. In the midst of studying the judgment of God in Revelation, after reading about the judgment of God in Psalms 70-79, these scriptures are a blessed relief. God knows what we need.