Read Psalm 83-84
There once was a man who attended church one week and became increasingly upset with the sermon. So after the the service was over he went to talk to the pastor. He said, "Pastor, you really need to do something about your messages. Every time I come, you speak on the same topic." To which the pastor replied, "That's because you only come on Easter Sunday."
Silly story, I know, but sadly there are many who claim to be followers of Jesus who don't see the significance of worshiping God with other believers. Compare that to the psalmist and how he felt meeting with God in the Temple. Look at Psalm 84:2: "My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God."
In verse 8 he wrote, "For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness." The Old Testament saints worshipped together at the temple, and we as Christians are to worship together in a church. But it's not just attending, it's enthusiastically worshipping God with all of our hearts and minds.
Does your soul long to meet with God each week? When you go to church, can you say, "my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God"? Maybe there's some problems at the church. Maybe the worship team isn't that good. Maybe the pastor is long-winded. Not that I would know anything about that. But the reality is, the presence of God is in the place. So let's make it our goal this week to worship wholeheartedly like the psalmist. Let's long for God's house.
How faithful are you to a local church? When you're there, are you fully there in heart and mind?
What are some reasons today to sing for joy?
Prayer for the day: "God, help me long for your house. Help me to be a daily worshipper. There are so many things you have done for me, may I show my gratitude in word and deed. I love you. Amen."