Day 2

Together in the House of God

Ps Neralie Clark

Psalms 84:2,10 NLT

"I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God. A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! …

Even before time began, it was in the heart of God to create the Church, His body, a people dedicated to Him and in fellowship with one another.

In the wilderness, Moses was given a blueprint from God for a tent of worship to become the focal point where the people of Israel would come to worship and celebrate God together.

Hundreds of years later, David composed many psalms expressing his feelings to God. Even when dejected, isolated, in danger, in sickness, in hiding or alone, His personal communion with God never ceased. But at those times, he longed for the fellowship of believers.

In Psalm 42:4 NLT, he says:

"My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshippers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration!"

Possibly written after David fled Jerusalem from his son Absalom who usurped the throne, David no longer had access to the house of God.

David recognised the different dynamics in coming together as the people of God; the fellowship, the encouragement, the building up, hearts lightened and joined together in God's presence.

Psalm 42 is traditionally recited by the Jews as a prayer for the end of their exile.

Currently, it's like we've been in exile, physically removed from one another.

I remember how moved and joyful I've felt at Hillsong conferences in an arena packed with thousands of like-minded believers worshipping and being encouraged in the Lord. 

And then, as I reflect - what an even greater joy to have the privilege and opportunity to meet together every Sunday with my own community of local believers!

After these months of 'exile', let us, like David, remind ourselves that a weekly hour or so in the house of God with the people of God is better than a thousand elsewhere! 

Prayer: 

Lord, we are longing to be together again to worship You, to fellowship with each other, to be encouraged, strengthened and filled with joy as we meet again in the house of God.