“On the twenty-third day of the seventh month he sent the people away to their homes, joyful and glad of heart for the prosperity that the Lord had granted to David and to Solomon and to Israel his people. ” 2 Chronicles 7:10
This scripture comes at the end of a 7 day feast to celebrate the dedication of the temple that Solomon had built. It was the place where God had instructed they go to worship, and offer sacrifices in the OT.
I’m struck today by the way that it says they left. “With joyful and glad hearts” 💕. I remember as a child feeling this way as soon as I stepped out of the doors of the Louisville Methodist Church. Going away with a glad and joyful heart.
In the previous text it also describes fire from heaven and the Lord’s glory filling the house of the Lord. In response to this, they bowed down and worshipped. Awe and reverence. To be in the presence of God😍😭🔥.
When we experience the presence of God in his house, we leave with a glad, joyful heart, awe, reverence for who he is. We leave internally changed.
Can I be honest, and tell you who doesn’t leave changed? The ones who aren’t focused on the presence of God. The person who is immediately offended when they walk in the room. The one who is so focused on their own preferences for praise and worship or the sermon they feel fell flat. The one who surveys the room and starts to feel like an outsider. The one who wonders if any of this applies to them or if it even matters if you’re there. I’ve been that person. Making church about me instead of him. I have left and thought… “Eh”. And I’m broken by that. “Eh”… really.. to the presence of God? On those days, your church didn’t get it wrong. You did. 🫣. Church isn’t about you. It’s about God, and his presence should cause you to have awe, reverence and to leave with a joyful and glad heart. Not bc the music was good, the sermon was fire or you felt seen. Because you fixed your eyes on Jesus and experienced the presence of the Lord. Because HE was there… were you? When I was a small child this felt easier.
I pray you go to church, but that when you do, you lay down everything else and focus on the MAIN thing. I pray when you leave you feel joyful and glad, because you experienced the presence of Jesus.
Father God, forgive me for the times I have made it all about me. Create in me a pure heart oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me so that, I can be fully in your presence today. Holy Spirit prompt me to remain faithful because I am prone to wander. In Jesus name Amen.
Living -Watered 