This week’s Reflections was written by the Rev. Larry Ort, retired Episcopal priest

While developing a recent sermon, I found myself thinking about some verses found in Psalm 84: “How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts! My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God. … Happy are they who dwell in your house! They will always be praising you. Happy are the people whose strength is in you! Whose hearts are set on the pilgrim’s way” (Vss. 1, 3).

I find myself wondering how many Christians would identify with these sentiments. I suspect many understand “dwell in your house” in a more literal sense as the house of God, i.e., the sanctuary. I like to spend time in the sanctuary, especially when with a worshipping community, but I would not care to dwell there, to live there.

Might the psalmist have had something different in mind? What if we were to understand God’s dwelling as life in faith relationship with God, whether Jewish (as was the psalmist), Christian, or Muslim? This would entail living out one’s faith commitment in an active and consistent fashion. Understood in this manner, one could dwell in God’s house whether one was at home, at work, at school, etc., whether one was a priest, a plumber, a carpenter, or a teacher, etc.

The psalmist assures us those who live their lives in God’s dwelling are happy, are filled with praise, and are strengthened. As evidence for this interpretation, consider the psalmist’s words, “Happy are those … whose hearts are set on the pilgrim’s way.” The dwelling is a way of life rather than an abode.

As I look about me, I cannot help but notice how many Christians display so little happiness. Sadly, I see all too much fear, anger, and desire to force others to live in a certain manner. Have false prophets led us from the pilgrim’s way? Might unbelievers look at us and see how little we have to commend?