I rather be a doorkeeper



Psalm 84:10 - 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.

 

We live in a world that is fast-paced, digital, and overflowing with activity. “Time flies” has become the motto of our generation. Almost every week I hear people say, “I don’t even know where the time went.” With limited time and unlimited demands, we are forced to choose what truly matters. But for the Christian, the real question is: What should be our highest priority?

 

For David, the answer was clear and simple — The presence of God.

 

David was a king. He had access to royal courts filled with splendour, dignity, and comfort. He could sit on a throne, receive honour, and enjoy every luxury available in his day. Yet when you listen to his heart in Psalm 84:10, none of those things captivated him.

 

Instead, he says, “One day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.”

 

In other words: “One day near God is more valuable than a thousand days anywhere else.” 

 

And look at what David adds next: “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”

 

He’s saying, “Lord, I’m not asking for the centre of the sanctuary. I don’t need a front-row seat. Even if You place me at the door, on the edge of Your house — that is still better than anything this world can offer.”

 

A doorkeeper was the lowest of the Levitical roles — standing at the threshold, not even inside the holy place. But David says:

 

“Give me the lowest place in Your presence, and I am satisfied.”

 

Why?

Because the value of a place is determined by Who is there. A palace without God is empty. A doorway with God is glorious.

 

And this is the challenge for us today:

  • With our calendars full, where does God fit?
  • With our minds constantly occupied, where does His presence rest?
  • With time flying, what anchors our hearts?

 

David shows us the right priority. In another place he says:


Psalms 42:1-2 - As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? 

This is not the language of duty, it is the language of desire. Just as a thirsty deer searches desperately for flowing water, David’s heart searched for the refreshing presence of the Lord. He wasn’t satisfied with occasional moments or distant worship; he longed for God like a man longs for breath. This passion shows us that nearness to God is not merely beneficial, it is essential. We do not just want God’s blessings; we thirst for God Himself, the living God who satisfies the deepest needs of the soul.

The presence of God must be above position, comfort, success, and activity. Even a moment at the threshold of His presence is richer than a thousand days of worldly achievement.

 

Why?

Because the value of a place is determined by Who is there.


  • A palace without God is just a building
  • A tent without God is only temporary comfort.
  • But a doorway with God is a sanctuary for the soul.

 

This is what our world cannot give — peace, rest, joy, meaning, purpose. Yet all of these are found in the presence of the Lord.

 

So the question comes back to us:


With time flying and life moving so quickly, where do we choose to dwell?

 

David teaches us that the greatest priority in life is not:

 

  • busyness
  • success
  • achievement
  • comfort
  • recognition

 

But a life lived near God. Even a moment at the threshold of His presence is richer than a thousand days of activity without Him.

 

How do we make God’s presence our priority?

 

1. Begin your day with God - A few uninterrupted moments of Scripture and prayer set the tone for everything else.

 

2. Carry awareness of His presence - Whisper simple prayers throughout the day: 

 

“Stay with me, Lord.” 

“Guide me.” 

“Be my strength.”

 

3. Protect your heart from distractions- Not everything urgent is important. Choose what draws you closer to Him.

 

4. Choose God even in small decisions - Obedience opens the door to His presence. Every step of obedience brings you nearer.

 

5. Value moments with Him above everything else- Even if it is the “doorway,” choose His presence.

 

Prayer

 

Lord, teach me to value Your presence above everything else in this world. Give me David’s heart — a heart that finds more joy at Your door than in any palace. Help me to slow down, seek You, and dwell near You. May Your presence be my priority, my joy, and my strength every single day.


Amen.

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