I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
Psalm 122:1

In ancient Israel, going to the house of God was not an easy thing. Unless you lived right in Jerusalem it meant a trip of several days, leaving your farm and business in someone else’s hands while you were gone. And for most people, the whole trek was made on foot. Men, women, and children walked the whole way.

Yet at least three times a year every man was expected to make the trip to worship at the Temple in Jerusalem. For the unbeliever, this was a burdensome duty to be performed, but to those who loved God and trusted in Him it became a joyful celebration.

How do you feel about getting out of bed on Sunday morning to go to church? Is it a burden, a resented duty, something you’d prefer to find an excuse to skip, or is it the joyful highlight of your week?

Your answer might reveal an deeper attitude of your heart. If your heart is set on following Jesus, then worshiping with other likeminded believers will become something your heart craves. If you love God and trust in Him, the warmth of Christian fellowship and mutual encouragement becomes a comfort and a source of strength.

We have the privilege of driving a few minutes and gathering for worship every week if we want to. Will you be there? “Let’s go to the house of the Lord!”

Lord, I confess that worship is sometimes not even on my radar. Forgive my self-centered focus. Turn my heart toward You, so that I seek You, trust You, and center my life on worshiping You! Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles