READING: Psalm 122
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
Psalm 122:1
For the psalmist, going to Jerusalem to celebrate the Lord in worship was magnificent indeed. The destination was worth the journey as the pilgrims made their way there for their annual festivals. They could marvel at the city’s landscape, celebrate the city’s drawing the tribes to its center of government and religion, and give thanks to God for His care. Now standing within the city, the psalmist wrote with joy, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord’” (Psa. 122:1). Praying for the peace and prosperity of the city only made sense, not only because the psalmist loved the people there but also because the sanctuary was there.
While the comparisons are not exact, it’s easy to apply this psalm to believers today gathering to worship the God of David. We carry out the same marvelous task—bowing before God, ascribing to Him His worth. Few things are as powerful as brothers and sisters in Christ lifting our voices in His praise, thanking Him for grace so undeserved and love so incomprehensible. When believers of varied backgrounds come together as one, united by the shared redemption Christ has given us, the power of the gospel is powerfully evident.
Today, most of us will gather with a congregation of believers for a worship service. Some will do it because that’s what's expected on Sunday. Others will go because their family is going. Some will make their way to a church because their life has become difficult, and they’re looking for answers. Many will go because they look forward to worshiping the Lord. In all cases, I pray God will so make Himself known, and we will so experience His love, that we, too, will say in weeks to come, “I was glad when they said, ‘Let’s go to the Lord’s house together.’”
ACTION STEPS:
- Thank the Lord for your church today.
- Worship Him with all your being as you gather with brothers and sisters.
PRAYER: “God, I’m excited to go to church today. I look forward to worshiping You with others.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Samuel 13-15