May 13, 2023 - Psalms 23-27

David’s words provide me with a couple thoughts, this morning. He writes, “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame” (25:1-3). And he instructs, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (27:14) We can wait on the Lord because we know that he is faithful. Even if, in the moment, we are not delivered from our enemies, we know that, ultimately, we will be saved by our God’s gracious and powerful works.

And, then: “I wash my hands in innocence and go around your altar, O Lord, proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds. O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells” (26:6-8). And: “In the great assembly I will bless the Lord” (26:12). And: “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple” (27:4). So many of the psalms are written for contemplation and for praise to the Lord in the temple. And David loved to be in the temple meeting with God and with his people. So it is for us; we gather as church, not merely out of obligation or compulsion, but because we genuinely love being with God’s people in the presence of God.

We love the place, O God,

wherein thine honour dwells;

the joy of thine abode

all earthly joy excels.

We love the house of prayer,

wherein thy servants meet;

and thou, O Lord, art there

thy chosen flock to greet.

Lord Jesus, give us grace

on earth to love thee more,

in heaven to see thy face,

and with thy saints adore. -- William Bullock (1854)