Psalm 42: Verse 4 (NIV-UK)
These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God
under the protection of the Mighty One
with shouts of joy and praise
among the festive throng.
One sentence jumped out of me from this verse – “how I used to go to the house of God.” David talks about remembering how he used to go along with others to God’s house, full of joy and thanksgiving. Perhaps this is a point in his life when he is unable to, but being able to clearly impacted his spiritual life and his mental health, as did not being able to. Going to God’s House, wherever we go to worship, should not be an optional extra. It serves a spiritual purpose for us. Its why we should also go, and participate even when we don’t feel like it – because staying away is the very thing the devil would like us to do. On-line meetings served their purpose during Covid, and they still serve a purpose for those who through illness or disability are unable to get to church. But, oh how it felt good when God’s people were able to gather in person again! Whatever our fettle, or circumstances lets make sure that we make the effort to go to God’s house with a heart full of praise and worship. We’ll come away feeling all the better for it, and God will have been glorified.
Dear Lord,
May I always make the effort to come in to your house with a heart full of praise and thanksgiving, no matter what else is going on in my life. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.