506

Better Is One Day

Scripture References

Confessions and Statements of Faith References

Further Reflections on Confessions and Statements of Faith References

In a world with many threats and enemies, we find hope and security in his fatherly care. Both Belgic Confession and Heidelberg Catechism put significant focus on the Providence of God and the care God provides for us. Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 9, Question and Answer 26 professes that he “will provide whatever I need for body and soul” and that we are “completely in his hand.” In Belgic Confession, Article 13 professes that he “watches over us with fatherly care.”

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Better Is One Day

Additional Prayers

God of all loveliness and beauty,
even the humblest of creatures finds its home close to you.
May your church be a place of safety to every wanderer who seeks you,
every believer who trusts you, and every disciple who follows you.
We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Psalms for All Seasons (http://www.psalmsforallseasons.org)
506

Better Is One Day

Tune Information

Name
BETTER IS ONE DAY
Key
E Major

Recordings

Musical Suggestion

For Piano Accompaniment Only:
 Piano Introduction:
  • Play the Refrain with the first ending for the intro, going into stanza 1
Interlude
  • During the interlude, on the last line of page 3, play the repeated eighth note pattern in the right hand lightly with a slight emphasis on the moving notes.
— Diane Dykgraaf
The final refrain may be sung several times and may also be layered with the singing of the original refrain. “How Lovely Is Your Dwelling” (#507) and “Better Is One Day” cover different sections of Ps. 84. While “How Lovely Is Your Dwelling” ends at v. 7 of the psalm, “Better Is One Day” creates a refrain out of v. 10. Though the styles are different, it can be effective to follow the singing of “How Lovely Is Your Dwelling” with the reading of Ps. 84:8-12, concluding with the singing of “Better Is One Day”.
— Psalms for All Seasons (http://www.psalmsforallseasons.org)
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Better Is One Day

Hymn Story/Background

Matt Redman was leading worship at his church one day, and he got up to lead after the sermon but felt he didn’t have the right song to express the powerful encounter with God he was having at that moment. He flipped to Psalm 84 and began to read – “How lovely is your dwelling place,” and eventually started to sing what is now the chorus of the song: “Better is one day in your courts, better is one day in your house.” Matt went home and finished the song that afternoon.
— Laura de Jong

Author and Composer Information

Matt Redman (b. February 14, 1974) began leading worship full-time at age 20, serving churches in Chorleywood, Brighton, West Sussex, and Atlanta, Georgia, where he worked with Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio for the Passion Conferences. He is known for songs such as “The Heart of Worship,” “Better is One Day,” and “Blessed Be Your Name.” His 2012 song “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord),” co-written with Jonas Myrin, won two Grammy awards in 2013. Redman has written a number of books, including Mirror Ball and The Unquenchable Worshipper. He and his wife Beth have five children, and are currently based at St. Peters Church in Brighton.
 
— Laura de Jong

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