Read: Psalm 84:1-12
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! (vv. 3-4)
People go to church for various reasons. Some go because they are forced to go by parents or spouse. Some go out of habit. Some go because Grandpa will be looking to see if they are there. Some go to help their business.
The psalmist went because he loved it! “My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God” (v. 2).
That line gives the reason for the psalmist’s enthusiasm for worship. He met God there. We have progressed from the time when the first part of the service in my church was called “preliminaries,” intended primarily to set the stage for the sermon.
We do not come to church to listen to a man, we come to meet God. If the sermon happens to be good, that’s a bonus. In song, Bible reading, and prayer we commune with God. We speak to him and adore him.
Since I am a preacher, I emphasize solid biblical preaching. When that takes place, the living God speaks to us. That is worship.
Pastors, preach biblically. My professor of preaching urged, “Ring the changes on the great themes of the Bible.” Fellow believer, give God your heart. —Harry Buis
As you pray, take time to worship God in prayer.
About the Author
The Rev. Harry Buis served as a Reformed Church in America pastor for 41 years, serving six congregations. He had a consuming passion for the Word of God, preached and written, and would take up his pen to share that passion at a moment’s notice. His enthusiasm for God and the Bible was his signature. Rev. Buis edited the Words of Hope daily devotional for twenty years, and wrote several books and numerous articles. He also taught as an adjunct at Hope College, Western Theological Seminary, and Kuyper College. He served the church in many capacities, and was elected President of General Synod of the RCA in 1980. Rev. Buis died of cancer in 2001.
