Psalm 83-84
I wonder what you would describe as your most memorable
times? For me it is when I have found myself in the presence of God. Walking in
the mountains, by the sea and worshipping with God’s people. There is something
special about knowing the nearness of God in a special way. The Lord is always
with us but sometimes we know more of him. If I had to describe the deepest
longing in my heart it would be for the presence of God.
Here the psalmist seeks the presence of God. He longs to
journey to the temple where the presence of God resided. He almost envies the
priests and even the birds who are able to spend more time in such proximity to
the holy place. Even those who journey as pilgrims toward the temple are
blessed on their journey. Indeed, says the psalmist, it would be better to
spend a day as a servant at the door or the temple than to dwell in the houses
of the evil.
God, of course, cannot be contained. At Christ’s death the
curtain to the Holy of Holies was torn – God is on the loose! No longer do we
need to journey to the temple. Instead, God is with us – Immanuel.
Today, let’s seek the Lord with all of our hearts. Let’s ask
that wherever we are we may know the joys and blessings of his presence. And at
the end of the week when we come together to worship let’s come together in
expectation of meeting with God among his people. Come with anticipation that
as God inhabits the praises of his people so we may know even more what it is
to dwell in his house.
(written by a member or
staff)