“I Was Glad” Psalm 122

Psalm 122 Background A Psalm of Ascent Attributed to David A psalm about anticipation as one enters Jerusalem to worship God. Our application is entering to worship and His church

I was glad (1-2) Joyful anticipation – great excitement as you plan something Feasts in Israel were special occasions – joyful and reminding of God’s blessings Sadly, at times these were corrupted by an ungrateful people

I was glad (1-2) What is our attitude toward assembling? Is it something we anticipate? - Do we look forward to being with our brethren? - How much effort do we expend to be here? What about Gospel Meetings?

I was glad (1-2) Hebrews 10:24-25 Is our worship carried out with gladness? Psalm 100:1-2 Colossians 3:16 Nowhere does scripture imply that treating worship as a drudgery is acceptable!

I was glad (1-2) Hebrews 10:24-25 Yet some will use meager excuses to keep from such. When one asks, “Do I have to…?”, it is often a problem deeper than about the assembly. It is an issue of the heart

I was glad (1-2) A desire to go to Jerusalem Jerusalem was where they assembled to worship God. Began with David 2 Sam. 6, Zion – 2 Sam. 5:7, 1 Kings 8:1 Our “house of the Lord” is His church – 1 Timothy 3:15, 1 Peter 2:4-5 Matt. 16:18, Ephesians 1:22-23

I was glad (1-2) Feet standing within your gates Gladness when in the city as well. Ready to worship Him Do we anticipate actually worshipping Him? John 4:24 Acts 10:33, 17:11

I was glad (1-2) Our ultimate anticipation – heaven! Hebrews 12:22-23

Jerusalem is built (3-5) The city had been fortified and prepared so the tribes could assemble there. It was where “the Testimony of Israel” was. The Law given by the LORD in the Ark of the Covenant Exodus 16:34, 25:16, 21; 40:20,…

Jerusalem is built (3-5) When we assemble we are coming together as the church! 1 Cor. 11:18, 14:23 God gives us instructions concerning the assembly When - Acts 20:7, 1 Cor. 16:1-2 HOW we worship Him

Jerusalem is built (3-5) A city that is compact together The church – brethren who are connected to one another - Ephesians 4:16, John 15:5-6, Colossians 2:2, 19 Worship ought to unite us! (But this can only happen if we are true to His word)

Pray for her (6-9) Pray for the peace of Jerusalem – a call for others to join him in prayers for her peace – both with God and without Do we pray for the church? Romans 1:8-10, Eph. 1:15-16, Phil. 1:9-11,1 Tim. 2:1-2 Pray for our leaders and brethren – Heb. 13:7, 2 Thess. 3:1-2, 1 Thess. 5:25

Pray for her (6-9) Prayer for… Prosperity in love for Him - Phil. 1:9. Do we pray for the godly? Peace within her walls – Phil 4:6-7, 1 Thess. 5:13, Mark 9:50 John 17:20-21, 13:35

Pray for her (6-9) Prayer for… Prosperity – Growth. Not just physical growth, but genuine spiritual growth! 2 Thess. 3:1, 3 John 2 For the sake of my brethren – James 5:16, Acts 12:5, 12 – the church prays and we pray for each other

Pray for her (6-9) Because of the house of the LORD, I will seek your good! Do we seek the best for the church? Do we live to bring glory to her? Do we defend her? Is she a clear influence in our lives? What sacrifices will we make for her? Do we tell others about her?

Does the thought of the Lord’s church bring gladness to you?