Psalm 84:10 (NIV) 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.

When I was young, I used to read the psalms of David and just wonder why he was so passionate in his relationship with God. He was over the edge with how he expressed his love and devotion to the Lord. He was the same guy who said to the Lord, "Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you" (Psalm 63:3). I couldn't understand that. I was a believer early on in my life, but even though I did love and appreciate what I knew about Jesus, I didn't feel the way that David did. I thought it was just one of those things. As they say, to each his own. But then, something happened.

I said that I loved and appreciated what I knew about Jesus, but therein lay my problem. I knew a lot about Jesus, but I didn't know Him personally well enough. I realized that when I visited a church and found a bunch of Davids in the congregation. What I mean is that there were a lot of people that were so lost in worship and praise to the Lord Jesus that it was obvious that they felt as David did. I wanted what they had, and I learned what it meant to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth and follow Him as a disciple and not just a churchgoer. My love for Him began to grow and it has never stopped. Through all of my faults and failures, I found that His love didn't diminish but instead, increased. I found out that He never turns me away and that His aim is to lead me on the right road for my life. The road may include trials and tribulations, but with Him right there with me, they only make me stronger in my faith and increase my love for Him. 

No wonder David said that one day in the courts of our God is better than a thousand elsewhere. He said that because it is absolutely true. When you are with the Lord in His courts (in His presence), you are in the presence of light, love and life itself. God defines those things, and those things are what matter to us, whether we know it or not. What's the use of being in high places with important people who don't acknowledge God? How many high-powered people have come to the end of themselves, realizing that at the end of the day, all that they went after was like chasing after the wind, as Solomon said. Yes, it is a lot more desirable to be a doorkeeper in God's house than to be anywhere else because there, you are with the One who holds your very life in His hands, and He is the only one that always handles it with amazing love and care. Do you love Jesus better than life? Get to know Him and you will love Him that way and will be singing David's psalms right along

with him!

Pastor Joey Vazquez