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.
Psalm 84:10 (NIV)
Father God, how many times have I sung those words, “Better is one day in Your courts, better is one day in Your house, better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere?” Yet, this morning those words take on a different meaning to me as my soul wrestles with the fact that these words were penned by the sons of the man who rebelled against Moses and Aaron in Numbers 16:1-4.
Korah, a Kohathite, and his sons were required to carry the sacred items of the sanctuary on their shoulders while everyone else got carts and wagons (Numbers 7:6-9). They could not see what they were carrying, it being covered up and hidden from their eyes (Numbers 4:15), while Moses, Aaron and his descendants could. Theirs was a great responsibility. Yet, he saw how he felt he was viewed by Moses and Aaron, and called out for “equality” with them. And for this, he and his followers lost their lives.
And then his sons, who embraced where You had them, sang these words.
How often do I long for the accolades of man, the pats on the backs, the seat of honor versus being content with the place You have established me? How often have I undervalued where You have me, comparing myself to others, longing to be lifted up in their midst? How often have I, in the name of speaking for the disenfranchised, embraced a cause not for them but to satisfy my secret longings? Father, this verse takes on a different significance to me, knowing that the authors’ earthly father and some of their siblings were figuratively and literally swallowed up by the world they pursued (Numbers 16:31-32)!
Today, Lord, help me to put my ambitions in check. I’m not saying I believe You do not want me to pursue “better.” No. I believe You want the best for me. Instead, I realize that often what You designate as best does not always appeal to my longings and desires. And what I believe as best can lead to my demise. Put that aspect of me in check. Show me the better way and help me to find contentment in shouldering what You have placed on me. For indeed, better is one day as a door keeper in Your house than a thousand elsewhere. Amen.