Daily Scripture Threshing for Saturday, July 20, 2024
Today’s Text: Psalm 122:1-9
Key Verse: Psalm 122:1 (GW): "I was glad when they said to me, “Let’s go to the house of the Lord.”"
Let me start this by praying for you that
as you read these words, you shall take a deep breath and imagine yourself walking alongside the psalmist, feeling the excitement and joy that radiates from his heart. While lots of things bring heartbreak today, I am glad that we do have an invitation to reflect on something more extraordinary that brings gladness; something that stirs our souls and connects us to the best life ever.
Going to the house of the Lord, for the psalmist, fills the heart with great joy; especially the anticipation of worship, of community of faith, and of being in God's presence bring gladness. It is not just a moment of worship or a gathering with loved ones but a personal encounter with God. The feeling washes over us and brings a smile that spread across the face for a sense of connection to something greater than us.
This Psalm is one of 14 "Songs of Ascents" (Psalm 120-134), a collection of psalms that were likely sung by pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for the three annual festivals commanded in Deuteronomy 16:16. Among others, this particular Psalm, is specifically classified as a "pilgrim song" or a "song of Zion" that expresses the joy and excitement of going to the Temple in Jerusalem to worship God. The psalmist, as a pilgrim, arrived in Jerusalem and is expressing gladness and enthusiasm for being in the city of God, surrounded by the people of God. He could not wish for a better connection.
The Temple is a foreshadow of the church and represents the presence and glory of God. So, going there was a way of connecting with God's holiness and majesty. This background helps us understand the significance of the psalmist's "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord.'" It's a statement of communal joy, shared excitement, and collective worship, expressing the importance of gathering with others to praise and honor God. In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in individualism and isolation. We often find ourselves disconnected from others and from God. This Psalm reminds us that worship is a powerful antidote to our loneliness, separation and disconnection.
For Christians, it is a lifestyle. It is not just a Sunday morning activity. We can cultivate a lifestyle of worship by incorporating prayer, praise, and gratitude into our daily routines and in seekimg to be a part of every midweek opportunity. The psalmist's enthusiasm is contagious! Who can you invite to join you in worship or a faith-based activity this weekend and going forward? Share your own experiences of joy and connection with others, and watch how it can inspire them to do the same. Why not take a moment to reflect on your own experiences of worship and community. When have you felt the most connected to God and others? How can you incorporate more worship and community into your daily life?
Action Steps: This weekend, take a step to cultivate joy and connection through worship. Attend a worship service, join a small group, or invite a friend to pray with you. Remember the psalmist's words: "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord.'" I wish you the joy of worship and community!
Quote for the Day: "Worshipping with others who share our values and beliefs brings us joy and a sense of belonging." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of gladness, for the moments that make our hearts sing and our spirits soar. Help us to seek out your presence in our lives and to find joy in worship. May our hearts always be glad when we hear the invitation to come to your house, to worship, to connect, and to be in your presence — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.
With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji,
Ph.D.YourDarling Bishop (DaBishop)
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