Free Daily Devotions: A Lovely Place - Psalm 84 v 1

Psalm 84:1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!

We’re in the midst of a major renovation at Erin Church, so the whole place is anything but lovely! The parking lot is caked in wet red clay; the church parlor has been sealed off due to dust; chairs and equipment are stored all over the place, and some of our classes, programs, and projects are on the back-burner until the construction is completed. Everything is in a state of chaotic un-loveliness, so this whole year will be a washout as far as I am concerned.

We’re looking forward to Easter, though, because by that time the downstairs Fellowship Hall should be completed. If it is, then we’ll hold our annual Easter breakfast in it and celebrate the rebirth of the church. That promises to be one of the most meaningful resurrection Sundays our congregation have ever experienced.

In the ancient past, holy temples and sacred buildings were thought to be the dwelling places of God’s Spirit, but because we’re New Testament people, Christ has taught us that God is within us. We are meant to be the lovely dwelling places of God, exhibiting love and peace, grace and compassion to the world.

I hope that when the building renovations are completed at Erin, we will begin to focus on the spiritual renewal and Christian renovation of the hearts and minds of our people. It’s all very well having updated facilities that look great, but God is meant to dwell within us, not the bricks and mortar. So I guess the challenge for us all is this: what must I do to make God’s dwelling within me a lovely place, so that others may be attracted to Christ and His love?

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, sometimes people cannot see You because we get in the way. Forgive us for causing others to miss who You are because of the mistakes that we make. Help us to open our hearts and minds, bodies and souls to Your Holy Spirit, so that we may become the lovely places and loving people that God requires. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s drawing is from John’s psalms art project. It is of Psalm 84 v 3 – ‘Even the sparrow has found a home.’ You can view a larger version of the drawing here: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3374/3674099670_617ddcdeda.jpg