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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.

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