Let us go to the house of the Lord

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” And now here we are, standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is a well-built city; its seamless walls cannot be breached. All the tribes of Israel -- the Lord’s people -- make their pilgrimage here. They come to give thanks to the name of the Lord, as the law requires of Israel. Here stands the thrones where judgment is given, the thrones of the dynasty of David. Psalm 122: 1-5 NLT

If you ever have a chance to go to Jerusalem, I highly encourage you to do so. A trip to the Holy Land will forever change the way you read the bible and will enrich your faith. Then you can quote verse two: Now here we are, standing inside your gates! 

But many of you may never be able to go to Israel or stand inside the gates of Jerusalem. Does this mean this psalm cannot apply to you?

For me, the idea of going to the house of the Lord means going to a place of worship. Shouldn’t we be in awe when we enter a house of worship -- whether it is our own or we are simply God’s guests there? We can admire the love and patience that came together to build a place where God can be praised. We can be happy to be invited to come into God’s presence within the walls of a place build for worship. We can give thanks for all who enter here. Even a couple of city blocks can be a pilgrimage to God’s altar. 

Next time you enter a house of worship (hopefully this very weekend) I pray that you may read or repeat these verses from Psalm 122.

God, I am always glad when someone invites me to come to your house. May I continue to praise you when I arrive there and give thanks for all who come to worship you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012