Scripture: “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” – (27:4)
Observation: David writes about the Lord being his salvation. Whether he is facing the enemy or whether he is being rejected by his family, he knows his security is found only in God.
Application: Being able to attend church was always something I took for granted until March 2020. It was then that the pandemic known as “Covid” caused churches all across this country to close their doors as a result of a mandate from the government. I thought it would only be a Sunday or two, but I was stunned and saddened to see it go on and on.
Fortunately, my church had a livestream program, so my pastor would present his messages live on the internet, and my family and I could watch from home. I was even able to make video lessons for my Sunday school class and put them on our church’s website. But something was missing.
As grateful as I was for the technology that allowed me to teach my little ones and listen to sermons, I missed the fellowship with my church family. I missed the hugs, the chats, the smiles, the singing… I missed seeing my brothers and sisters in Christ, and that resulted in a feeling of spiritual isolation.
I hope I never see a time when our churches close their doors again, but if they do, I know I’ll have ways to be fed from God’s Word beyond my own personal Bible studies. However, nothing can replace the personal interactions that occur within a body of believers. Like David, I desire to dwell in the house of the Lord forever!
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, it is a good thing to worship You in Your house with Your followers. Nothing can replace the love and joy that comes from singing hymns with other believers, hearing messages from men of God, and being able to serve You in Your church. I pray we never have to go through another time when our doors will be closed. May Your church always be open to anyone seeking to know You more. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.
You may sing of the beauty of mountain and dale,
Of the silvery stream-let and flowers of the vale,
But the place most delightful this earth can afford
Is the place of devotion, the house of the Lord.
You may value the friendship of youth and of age,
And select for your comrades the noble and sage,
But the friends that most cheer me on life's rugged road
Are the friends of my Master, the children of God.
(from “The House of the Lord” by William Hunter)
**********
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25
Fellowship with Brothers & Sisters in Our LORD JESUS CHRIST is a privilege, blessing and opportunity to encourage. We are a Family serving & growing. The only things that will last forever is the WORD of GOD and the Souls of Man…invest Your life in these.