1 I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD." 2 Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together. 4 That is where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, to praise the name of the LORD according to the statute given to Israel. 5 There the thrones for judgment stand, the thrones of the house of David. 6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love you be secure. 7 May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels." 8 For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you." 9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity.

For the Jew, at the time this was written, it was an annual trek to go to Jerusalem to the house of God and worship. It was to Jerusalem they would go when there was a legal issue to be decided. Jerusalem represented the presence of God, the government of God, the care and protection of God. This was his city. Remember when in captivity, Daniel would pray three times each day with his head turned toward Jerusalem. It was a joyful occasion to go to Jerusalem each year because it was a family reunion. It was a time to visit with old friends that had not been seen since last year. It was a blessing because it served as a huge revival both spiritually and nationally. Today we should be filled with joy when we have the opportunity to gather with other believers. We have many occasions when this is possible and yet too often we neglect most of them. The first is the regular services of the church of which we are a part. Then there are the special service such as revivals, Vacation Bible Schools, special Bible classes and studies that should be considered a privilege instead of a chore. I remember how as a child, we often went to revival services (called “meetings” then) at churches all over this area. This was a joy. When we consider the purpose of these services is to study God’s word, associate with fellow Christians, to be truly revived in our spirit and commitment, how can we not consider it a joy to be able to attend? I understand that “going to church” does not necessarily make us closer or more pleasing to God. Yet when we demonstrate our faith and commitment to study, learn his will better, associate with fellows of like faith, and to be strengthened by doing this, it is a joy for us and an acceptable sacrifice offered to him. May we find joy in serving our God.

O God, please help us to become what you want us to be. I realize that I am a work in process as you mold me each day. I want to be more committed to you and to your service. I want to find joy in serving you, both publicly and in my private life. Help me to share your love today. I pray in Jesus name.

May God bless each of us as we rejoice in his love and service.