Friday 11 January, 2019

1 I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” 2 Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together. 4 That is where the tribes go up— the tribes of the Lord— to praise the name of the Lord according to the statute given to Israel. 5 There stand the thrones for judgment, the thrones of the house of David. 6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. 7 May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” 8 For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” 9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.

I couldn’t go past the first verse of this Psalm –  “I rejoiced with those who said to me, let us go to the house of the Lord”.

I grew up going to church pretty much every Sunday of my life. I can’t say that I always rejoiced at the thought, but for the most part it was a very positive, extremely important part of my childhood experience. I suppose you could say that I took it for granted and didn’t really see how special it was at the time to be a part of a church.

Fast forward to now, and I really do rejoice at the thought of going to church (the house of the Lord).

I love how it’s called God’s house – the place where God dwells. For me, that has a warm and inviting sound to it, and I am so grateful to be a part of a church that allows me to belong and to be surrounded and supported by God’s people, as well as enjoy God’s presence in the gathered worship experience.

May I never take for granted the privilege of going to and belonging to the house of the Lord.  It has made all the difference in my life.

Written by Shelley Witt