I Was Glad When They Said unto Meby Jeff Robb

Reflection

Psalm 122 is one of the fifteen psalms called Songs of degrees, Psalms 120 through 134. Many believe they were sung by worshippers going up to Jerusalem for the great feasts. Jerusalem sits high in the hills, so from almost anywhere in the land, going to the house of the LORD meant climbing.

This one is a psalm of David, and it opens with joy. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

Notice the word they. Somebody invited him. Someone said, let us go. Worship in Israel wasn't a private affair. Families and neighbours travelled together, singing on the road.

Then verse two. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. You can almost feel the moment of arrival. After the long walk uphill, they are finally there, standing inside the gates.

It's Sunday. For many of us, it's a day to gather with other believers. And this psalm asks a simple question of our hearts. Are we glad to go?

Sometimes we are. Sometimes going to church feels like one more thing on a busy list. Sometimes there are hurts tied up with church, or we've simply fallen out of the habit. The psalm doesn't scold. It reminds us of the gladness that's there to be found.

Part of that gladness is that we don't come alone. The letter to the Hebrews says, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another. We need each other. Hearing the word together, singing together, praying for each other. Faith grows in company.

And notice that someone said, Let us go. Maybe you can be the they in someone else's life this week. A neighbour, a friend, a family member who has drifted. A simple invitation can be a gift.

If you can't get to a church today, because of health, or distance, or work, God has not forgotten you. You can still open the word, pray, and lift your heart to Him. But if you can go, go gladly. Our feet shall stand within thy gates.

Cross-references

Hebrews 10:24-25; Psalm 84:10; Acts 2:46-47