Psalm 84:1,10 ‘How lovely is Your dwelling place. O Lord Almighty!’……. ‘Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere.’
I was reminded of these verses this last Sunday. Firstly, at our morning service we were delighted that one of our congregation brought along her young granddaughter, as she sometimes does. I’m guessing she’s about two years old – just beginning to talk and let you know what she wants. We have a little children’s area as you enter the building behind most of the seating equipped with a few toys, books and drawing paraphernalia. At the end of the service, while ‘Grandma’ was talking and having a drink, this little girl made herself comfortable on one of the blue child sized chairs and began to occupy herself with the activities there.
She was so comfortable that when the time came to leave, she refused to budge. ‘Grandma’ told her that Mummy was waiting outside – she shook her head. Not interested. ‘Grandma’ explained that it was dinner time and she’d miss out on lunch – she shook her head. Not interested. In the end, ‘Grandma’ went to the door and made as if she was leaving the premises. ‘Bye’ she called to her grandchild. The little one didn’t even look up from her activities. ‘Bye!’ she called back.
In the end, she had to be carried out of the door.
That afternoon, we had a circuit service and it was a lovely time of worship and fellowship. People turned out even though it was Wimbledon men’s singles day, it was hot and most had already been to one service. I wouldn’t have missed it – it was like a little preview of Heaven. Sometimes it’s so easy in our busy world to not attend services, to neglect to meet with other Christians – we can take it all so much for granted. We have short memories and have forgotten how we missed gathering together during the days of Covid.
We miss out on so much blessing if we don’t meet together in His dwelling place. Of course. It’s not the actual building that’s important but the acknowledgement that God is there and the worship that provokes. The feeling of community and togetherness, the encouragement and love of others, the catching up on news and celebration of faithfulness are all other aspects of meeting together.
It’s great when, from an early age, we can experience enjoyment in God’s presence and a love of being with others who share our faith.
Psalm 84:4 ‘Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they are ever praising You.’