Young People's Group

“MY SOUL LONGS, YES, EVEN FAINTS FOR THE COURTS OF THE LORD”

by Pastor Mitch
November 20, 2011

A Longing To Be In God’s House

Young people, do you miss much the house of God whenever you are away from it? This was how the Sons of Korah felt when they wrote these words in the text of Psalm 84:

“How lovely is Your tabernacle,
O Lord of hosts!
My soul longs, yes, even faints
For the courts of the Lord” 
Psalm 84:1-2

They saw how the tabernacle of God, His house, was a place that was well-loved. There was a deep longing of the soul just to be in the house of the Lord. Psalm 84 is about people going on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The house of God was the place where people could find the presence of the Lord. Do you also miss the house of God when you can’t be there on Sundays?

Reasons For Longing To Be In God’s House

Why should we long to be in God’s house?

1. A Place Where We Can Meet With God And Pray To Him

“My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”
Psalm 84:2

The Lord’s house was the place where people would pray and cry out to the true and living God. It was the place where they would seek the Lord with all their heart and find Him and answers to their prayers. As we come to the Lord’s house each Sunday, may we seek to pray to Him in a special and intimate way.

2. A Place Where We Can Call Home

“Even the sparrow has found a home,
And the swallow a nest for herself,
Where she may lay her young-
Even your altars, O Lord of hosts,
My King and my God.” 
Psalm 84:3

Birds made their homes in the house of the Lord. Because it was a most peaceful and secure place, even the gentle sparrow and swallow build their home and lay their young. God is the Lord over the heavenly hosts. He is our heavenly King and our great and wonderful God. His presence makes His house a most safe home. Bethany is home to many of us. Is Bethany home to you?

3. A Place Where We Can Be Blessed

“Blessed are those who dwell in Your house;
They will still be praising You.” 
Psalm 84:4

The house of God was a place where the Psalmist saw how He blessed those who faithfully came. Those who continued to seek the Lord and to dwell with Him in His house were specially blessed by Him. Their hearts would be so richly blessed that they could not help but praise the Lord. They would continue to praise the Lord always. Youth Conference is slightly more than two weeks away. Let’s take time to look forward to being blessed as we dwell in the Lord’s house for five days. Let’s look forward to seeking and meeting with Him. Let’s look forward to praising Him in His house.

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