Morning Devotional 012326 God's Amazing Love

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

January 23, 2026

Psalm 84:1-12

1 How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD of heavenly forces! 2 My very being longs, even yearns, for the LORD’s courtyards. My heart and my body will rejoice out loud to the living God! 3 Yes, the sparrow too has found a home there; the swallow has found herself a nest where she can lay her young beside your altars, LORD of heavenly forces, my king, my God! 4 Those who live in your house are truly happy; they praise you constantly. Selah 5 Those who put their strength in you are truly happy; pilgrimage is in their hearts. 6 As they pass through the Baca Valley, they make it a spring of water. Yes, the early rain covers it with blessings. 7 They go from strength to strength, until they see the supreme God in Zion. 8 LORD God of heavenly forces, hear my prayer; listen closely, Jacob’s God! Selah 9 Look at our shield, God; pay close attention to the face of your anointed one! 10 Better is a single day in your courtyards than a thousand days anywhere else! I would prefer to stand outside the entrance of my God’s house than live comfortably in the tents of the wicked! 11 The LORD is a sun and shield; God is favor and glory. The LORD gives—doesn’t withhold!—good things to those who walk with integrity. 12 LORD of heavenly forces, those who trust in you are truly happy!

Good Morning! How lovely is your dwelling place!

These words always make my heart sing: Johannes Brahms' incomparable choral adaptation of this text. One of my most precious memories of this work happened when I was a freshman at Indiana University. Early in my first semester, I saw a sign offering students a ride to worship services at First United Methodist Church. I accepted the offer, and in that morning’s bulletin was an invitation to join the choir, which I did.

Now, this was no ordinary church choir. My home church was small, and our choir did a good job of providing music to enhance worship. This choir was filled with music majors, and I was a grateful peon enjoying the opportunity to share this amazing experience. The organist was Dr. Charles Webb, the dean of the prestigious IU School of Music, and the director was the assistant dean. 

When we sang How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place, I was transported into a different dimension that enveloped all my senses. I felt God’s presence exploding into the chancel area. As I watched the director, his face glowed as we reached the music's climax, and it brought tears to my eyes. 

I remember thinking this must be what a moment with God is like: ultimate joy and love so powerful that words cannot suffice. My heart and my body will rejoice out loud to the living God! 

Redeeming Lord, you bless us abundantly! Your love for us is life-changing. Let us let go of our worries and enjoy your embrace. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: Remember those places you feel closest to God!

Allow the joy of God to fill your entire being! Pastor Liz