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. Psalm 84:10 NIV

A classic game of Would You Rather: 1,000 days in the courts of your dreams or a single day as a door-holder of the Lord’s courts. Easy choice, right? 

Dazzling lights. The squeak of sneakers on hardwood. A roaring crowd. An orange ball soars midair—a buzzer-beater from half-court. You’re at the center of it all, adrenaline pumping as millions of eyes follow your shot–swish–The crowd erupts. The moment you dreamed of unfolding.

Is this the court you're after? Maybe it’s the dream championship or something else entirely, a picket-fenced house on the corner, a successful career, fame, millions, or just thousands. If it’s not the courts of the Lord, I promise you as I remind myself…it won’t last.

The legend Tom Brady once asked, "Why do I have three Super Bowl rings and still think there’s something greater out there for me?" Or King Solomon who “had it all” said about the world, "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." (Ecclesiastes 1:2)

Those with the highest achievements of this world are never truly satisfied by them. So why do we believe they would complete us? And why do those the world considers insignificant time and time again live with the deepest joy and fulfillment? 

They understand what the Psalmist understood. One day in God’s presence is greater than a thousand anywhere else. The presence of the Lord is worth more than the praise of millions. 

It’s not just about seeing the emptiness of fleeting things—it’s about grasping the greatness of God, that brings true joy in both the insignificant and grand things in life. 

The courts of the Lord change everything. And although helpful, the ponderings of sports legends aren’t anything new or even surprising. Scripture has warned us that even if we gain the entire world, all success, and fame at the cost of our soul, we have gained utterly nothing. (Matthew 16:26) When you realize His presence is more fulfilling than any worldly glory, what can steal your peace? What can take your joy? Nothing.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

When you believe all the way down to your heart that one single day in the service of the Lord’s presence is better than anything, you will find true satisfaction. And here’s the best part: God doesn’t just invite you to be a doorkeeper. He has called you to be His child and welcome you home.

Better is one day in His courts than a thousand elsewhere, and for those who believe, we are promised not just a day as a doorkeeper, but an eternity as a child.