To Behold God’s Beauty in His House

            One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple. (Ps 27:4)

David says in his psalm, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord’” (Ps 122:1). God’s house is a place where we can catch a glimpse and foretaste of heaven. For weary souls, the church can offer a resting place from the harshness of the world and an oasis to quench one’s thirst for love, peace and joy.

It is possible though, to miss the blessing of experiencing God’s beauty. If we come to the house of God with our hearts still entangled with the cares of the world, we are likely to see only our own issues instead of looking up to Him. If we are too occupied by church duties and responsibilities, we will soon learn that God’s beauty is seldom found in hustle and bustle.

The church is made up of every one of us who are saved by the blood of Jesus via baptism. We don’t physically see God when we come to church; but we see our brethren and they see us. Therefore, “walk prudently when you go to the house of God” (Eccl 5:1) for we can either be part of the beauty to be found in God’s house or part of what is contrary.

It is important for us to be a channel for others to see the beauty of God. Our decisions, actions and words in church play a contributing role to whether another person present can experience the beauty of God and find solace there.

Recall Moses, who asked to see God’s glory. Moses practiced love and walked with God all his life. God granted him the request to see His glory (Ex 33:17–23). May we find grace in God’s sight when we come before Him so that we too may see His glory and beauty!

Questions for Reflection

1.      When we go to the house of God, are we able to experience His glory and beauty? Why or why not?

2.      Do our words bring edification and impart grace to hearers (Eph 4:29)? Do our actions encourage others or do we cause another to lose heart?