Better is one day

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.”

Have you ever had a moment so rich in God’s presence that you didn’t want it to end? Maybe it was during worship, a quiet Sunday morning, or a walk where all of creation seemed to reflect His goodness and glory. In moments like these, we’re reminded that God’s presence is far sweeter than anything this world can offer.

In Psalm 84:10, David expresses that even a brief glimpse of being with God—just standing at the door—is better than a thousand days spent anywhere else. That kind of love and longing for God’s nearness puts everything into perspective.

But if I’m honest, there are days when I forget. I chase comfort, clarity, or control, thinking those things will fill me. But the truth is, being with God isn’t just what I need—it’s what I was created for. There’s a song called “Homesick for Heaven” by Phil Wickham that captures this feeling perfectly. That sense of not quite belonging in this world? Maybe it’s because we weren’t made for it.

As C.S. Lewis famously said, “The fact that our hearts yearn for something Earth can’t supply is proof that Heaven must be our home.” This longing is echoed in Scripture. Hebrews 13:14–15 (NLT) reminds us, “This world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.”

When I remember that I’m just a traveler on earth, it refocuses my heart. It reminds me that the goal isn’t to build a perfect life here, but to walk closely with God and look forward to the joy of being fully with Him one day. We were made to walk closely with Him now and to one day experience the fullness of His presence forever.

I think about all the times I’ve tried to find peace in other things—academics, achievements, relationships, busy schedules. And yet, none of them have filled me like a real, raw moment with Jesus. He doesn’t need perfection. He just wants honesty. Some days, that means just showing up. On the hard days, it might be a whispered, “God, I don’t know how You’re going to make a way, but I trust You.” Or maybe no words at all—just the cry of a tired heart that knows He’s still good.

In seasons of life that feel like this, it’s important to fix our eyes on Heaven. Romans 8:18 says, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” When this world feels heavy or hollow, we remember we’re not home yet.

In Heaven, there will be no suffering or mourning (Revelation 21:1–4), and we will be made complete (2 Corinthians 5:1–6). As we journey through this life, we’re reminded to fix our eyes not on earthly things, but on what is above, just as Paul wrote in Colossians 3:2.

God walks with us now, through grief, longing, and the seasons that feel too heavy to carry. Even in mourning, there is peace to be found in His presence. Just as Jesus withdrew to be with His Father before the cross, we too can draw near and be strengthened. In this life, He turns sorrow into hope, restlessness into peace, and mourning into dancing. And one day, for those who belong to Him, that nearness won’t just be a moment—it will be forever. No more tears, no more waiting. Just unending joy in the presence of the One who satisfies every longing. Heaven isn’t just a distant hope— it’s the promise of home, where the deepest longings of our hearts will finally be satisfied.