Psalm 47-49, 84-85, 87
Psalm 84:1-2, “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies. I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.”
Do you have a safe place? Somewhere you feel loved, seen, valued? A place where you find strength in your darkest moments, encouragement amid pain, and a place where hope is found when all seems lost?
In today’s reading, we find such shelter — the local church. Psalm 84 describes God’s House as “lovely” and “your dwelling place.” Is that what the church is for you? Do you run to it to seek refuge and refreshment, or do you only seek it when it’s convenient to your schedule? There’s no better place to spend your time, to raise your family, or to grow and seek God’s plans for your life. And it’s the best place to find the right kind of people to surround yourself with.
The church should be your safe place where you feel loved by the One who created you and a community of people who have your best interest at heart. It should be the first place you seek to find strength in your darkest moments, encouragement, and the ultimate hope — Jesus. Are you actively plugged into what God’s doing within His house, or are you standing on the sidelines? Don’t let the church be a last resort; let it be your first priority in all seasons!
Dear God, Thank You for the local church, and the hope found there. I pray that I always run to it to discover more of You and the plans You have for my life. Amen.