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. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

For those who have served in our Armed Forces, I thank and honor you today. You have been willing to sacrifice so much for my freedom. This devotional is dedicated to you. May you be encouraged by it!

It is said you can learn a lot about a person by how they treat those closest to them. It is also true that many times what a person’s heart is full of comes out when they are squeezed or under stress.

So what is the difference between the courts of God (outside the tent or living quarters) and the tents of the wicked (inside in a privileged position)? It is the content of the heart of the master. A life lived in luxury and wealth but under evil is full of fear and heartache. While a life serving God is not easy, and may result in persecution, low position, or a lack of worldly status; it is full of love and purpose.

A servant of God is in a better position than a ruler among those in this world who are evil. Why is this? It centers around God’s heart.

God is one who honors his children and shows them favor. He gives them good gifts and invests in them to build them up in the truth and righteousness. So we should seek a blameless life relentlessly.

God is like our sun, though greater. He is the source of light in our lives. He facilitates spiritual growth, he warms our hearts with his presence, and he helps us to see the good ways forward and avoid sinful pitfalls. He is like a shield, because his Word and his Spirit protect us from the attacks of the evil one.

Do I wonder why others around me seem to be rewarded on this earth for comprising the truth? If I do, I must realize that the truly good things of God are different from what is valued in this world. He gives us gifts so rich and good that they make the gifts of the world look worthless in comparison.

Lord, thank you for giving me a place, in your presence, to find true rest. You love me and I can’t wait to see you face to face in heaven! Fill my cup with the good stuff, I pray!