Inspired by . . . standing within her gates

Inspired by . . . standing within her gates

A Song of Ascents. Of David. I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD!" Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem! Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together, to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! "May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!" For my brothers and companions' sake I will say, "Peace be within you!" For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good. (Psa 122:1-9)

This psalm stirs in me a longing to assemble with the saints in God's house. For many reasons, my Dreamer and I are currently without a church family. Being fed weekly, sometimes daily, by the gracious ministry of Truth for Life, and the teachings of Alistair Begg.

But for those of you who have been in this place of in between before, you know it's not the same. God means for us to be in fellowship together, for our mutual edification and encouragement.

 "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. " Heb 10:24-25

While I may be in a season of worshiping God in solitary, my heart is no less glad in doing so. I look forward to my daily time with Him, reading His word and sitting quietly at His feet. There is a warmth and JOY that fills my soul when I think forward to these times. There is an eagerness to tune into the next message from Alistair. My spirit soars with David's as I read the words, "Let us go to the house of the Lord!"

Would that my spirit always longs for the things of God.

The Walls of Jerusalem
Painting by Dan Livni

"Jerusalem - built as a city that is bound firmly together." There is a beautiful picture here of what the church, the people of the church, are to look like. Jerusalem itself is a beautiful city. Built uniform, the houses strengthening and supporting one another. Just as we, Believers, are meant to do.

When I pray for the peace of Jerusalem, I think of, not only the physical city and the nation of Israel, but of God's church, His people, around the world. 

There is much that comes against us. Against Israel. Against us personally, and the against the church as a whole. But evil cannot stand against the prayers of the saints. (Matt 16:18)

"There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David." Here we are reminded that Jerusalem was, and will again be, a royal city. 

As such, Jerusalem reminds us that God looks after our civil interests as well as our spiritual ones. We can trust that justice will be administered.  And when justice is not administered as it ought to be in this world, we may be reminded that we are a royal priesthood. We take comfort in the fact that in the end, God's justice will be, and has been served.

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 1Pe_2:9 

We'll be there one day, standing within her gates on streets of gold. But you know, it's not the streets of gold or pearly gates that stir my soul. It's the thought of standing in His presence, with eyes that finally see, and a heart that will finally grasp how deep and how high is the love of Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Shalom,

Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Weekend Whispers,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace