Skip to main content

Gathering Together


“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” Psalm 122:1

One of the things David was well known for was that he loved to worship God in His tabernacle. There was no other place he would rather be. He loved the music; he loved the singing, as long as it brought glory to God. There was something special about worshipping the Lord in the midst of His people.

We see the same longing for the presence of God among the other writers of the Psalms. Whenever circumstances beyond their control prevented them from going to worship God at His tabernacle, they longed for Him like a deer pants for water brooks. The writer of Psalm 84 loved God’s temple so much that he considered a day there better than a thousand anywhere else.

Why was it that David and the other Psalmists longed to be in God’s temple? What was so special about being with other worshippers in this one place?

I would offer two wonderful reasons. First, when we enter into worship by singing songs together that glorify His Name, He ministers to us by His Holy Spirit to encourage us and fill us with His joy. Often in my life I have been lifted from anxiety or discouragement to peace and joy through corporate worship.

Second, when we gather together with God’s people in fellowship, our conversations can be used by God to remind us of His faithfulness and loving kindness for His children.

Let us continue to meet together with the other believers regularly this summer so that we can grow in God’s love and goodness.

 Prayer Focus: Father, make me like David, so that I treasure meeting with Your people for worship and fellowship.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Storyteller

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.” Acts 1:8-9 These are the last words Jesus speaks to his Apostles just before ascending into heaven. Not what they were expecting. They were wondering when Jesus was going to set up His Kingdom on earth. As He was ascending into heaven He reveals we are the ones to accomplish the task. Jesus’ departure is not desertion; it is a commission to be the storytellers of truth to the rest of the world. Frequently, we look at this scripture in relationship to our life. We perceive Jerusalem as our own community, Judea as our city, Samaria as our country and the ends of the earth as the world. Christ informed the apostles they will have the power of the Holy Spirit to reach these people. Notice the word “and...” Jesus didn’t say...
1 comment
Read more

Generosity Draws

“And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 4:33-37 I had the opportunity recently to offer something of value to some friends. It was passes to a golf tournament. I only had two, so I started checking with them one at a time. The first several were not able to take advantage of them, but something struck me. In declining, each of them expressed appreciation. Generosity had touched them. Joseph from Cyprus was a generous person. It was shown in two ways. He was generous with his possessions. He sold some property he owned to provide for needy people. And he was so gen...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Baptism that Divides

“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” Luke 12:49-51 Jesus was feeling the weight of His passion, the baptism of His death. What that baptism was going to release is anything but peace. There is and will be great division between people because of Christ. Rejection by family and friends, within families, deep divisions of world views. The fire of the purging of sin in our lives and the establishment of the righteousness He desires to release is evident. And it will continue until the end of time. We often think of the meekness and gentleness of Jesus. But never forget that He is also holy, righteous and just. And one day everyone, by faith or by force, will acknowledge Him as Lord. Prayer Focus: Jesus, thank You for carrying the weight of justice for each of us. Thank You for...
Post a Comment
Read more