1 [For the choir director; on the [gittith]; a psalm by Korah's descendants.] Your dwelling place is lovely, O LORD of Armies!

2 My soul longs and yearns for the LORD's courtyards. My whole body shouts for joy to the living God.

3 Even sparrows find a home, and swallows find a nest for themselves. There they hatch their young near your altars, O LORD of Armies, my king and my God.

4 Blessed are those who live in your house. They are always praising you. [Selah]

5 Blessed are those who find strength in you. Their hearts are on the road [that leads to you].

6 As they pass through a valley where balsam trees grow, they make it a place of springs. The early rains cover it with blessings.

7 Their strength grows as they go along until each one of them appears in front of God in Zion.

8 O LORD God, commander of armies, hear my prayer. Open your ears, O God of Jacob. [Selah]

9 Look at our shield, O God. Look with favor on the face of your anointed one.

10 One day in your courtyards is better than a thousand [anywhere else]. I would rather stand in the entrance to my God's house than live inside wicked people's homes.

11 The LORD God is a sun and shield. The LORD grants favor and honor. He does not hold back any blessing from those who live innocently.

12 O LORD of Armies, blessed is the person who trusts you.