July 14

The House of the LORD

I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD." Psalm 122:1

After a busy and hectic week, there is nothing that will bring us greater joy than to go to the house of the LORD to worship! How good it is to be in the house of the LORD, to spend time away from the cares of this world; it will refresh and renew us. It is a time when we can totally focus on our Father, reminding ourselves of all that He is and all that He does for us. Going to the house of the LORD is not about us or about what we can get, but it is all about our Father and what we can give to Him. This is a foreign idea to many Christians. They seem to believe that we go to church to learn, to study, and to be edified, and have no concept of what it means to truly worship God. It is amazing how many scriptures we have that discuss the need to worship God. The Word of God leaves no doubt; it is our duty to worship God. John 4:23 tells us that "true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers." The Father seeks those who worship Him. That is quite a concept! When we draw close to Him, He draws us close to himself. Our worship must spring from the heart, through the influence of the Holy Spirit. When we enter the house of God with the heart condition of seeking to give to Him, then all our affections, all our appetites and all our desires are brought to the throne of God. When we are emptied of self, we are free to be filled by Him. When we worship the LORD with every purpose and passion of our hearts, all our acts of worship will be a sweet savor to our Father. Rejoice and let us go to the house of the LORD!

Father, how very blessed we are to be able to call you Father! How glad we are that we can go to your house and worship you! This Sunday, help us to leave behind our cares and draw closer to you. Help us to focus only on you and on what we can give to you. May your Spirit fill our hearts and souls and may praise spill forth from our lips to bring you glory and honor and praise for all that you are to us! Help us to empty ourselves that we might be filled with your presence and worship you in spirit and in truth. Amen