Psalms 133-134 Devotional

Weary feet?  Alone?  God's word has the answer...

Psalm 133-134 King James Version (KJV)

133 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;

3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

134 Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, which by night stand in the house of the Lord.

2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.

3 The Lord that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.

.........................

Oh the world is very good at distracting us...but God's Word can re-direct and re-focus our hearts.

Have you ever experienced dry parched and aching feet?  I live in Texas where over a hundred degrees Fahrenheit is not uncommon.  I have hiked dry hills and mountains, and I have taken my children to a theme park that covers more miles than I can walk in three days.  I know what dry parched and achey feel feel like.

OH a cool bath and ointment applied to the dry parts....Oh YES.  I can fathom what it felt like in Bible times to be walking in the hot sands and rocks and to come home to a foot bath, or a body bath, and then OIL ...!!  A little sensory slice of Heaven I imagine.

And that is the figurative comparison of the value and feeling of brethren dwelling together in unity, but I do get more from this passage:

1) You can't have brethren together if you are staying to yourself, feeding yourself, and worshipping and growing ALONE!!  Oh yes, you may certainly feed, you may certainly worship, and yes, you may grow...but you are missing out on the best that God has for you...the most GROWTH...if you deny assembling together with other believers.

2) Specific reference to UNITY suggests importance of forgiveness, gentleness, and all the other issues that must be present in order for there to be PEACE, because there is no unity with out peace is there?

3) There is no number specification or qualification in this passage.  Number in attendance is not referenced to in any way in this passage. Spirit and truth is what matters.  Choose wisely to honor the Father when you select the brethren that you will assemble with.

4) Assembling with the brethren can and should be a rich edifying experience.  It is possible that God would need to (by the Holy Spirit and by...His ways...) minister to you as an individual to help you ready to receive and reciprocate this fellowship with the brethren.  That is OK.  Just keep seeking, keep feeding (on His Word) and keep praying...

5) Don't have a group to assemble with anytime anyway?  Keep praying and God will answer.

6)Standing in the "house of the Lord," is indeed a blessing and privilege.  When you do so, may your heart be towards Him. 

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary

In some churches, this is practiced and in some churches this is not.  The people are shy to do it...

This verse definitely encourages me to lift my hands in church.  What matters more?  What God's word says, or what people think?

What is your biggest take away from these passages?  How do these Psalms grow or encourage YOU?

Dear Lord, I thank you for Your word, I thank you for my opportunities to assemble together with fellow believers.  Help me to be a loving and kind, contributing member of whatever body of believers You connect me to.  By Your Holy Spirit, may I be ever growing, flourishing, and used by You.  In Jesus's sweet name I pray, amen.

Be blessed dear ones, and thank you for joining me for another edition of Blogging Through the Bible.  You can catch more of the wonderful here:

StaceyLynn Wells @ Words from the Wheel

Angela G @ No Longer Lukewarm