“How lovely is your dwelling place…” Psalm 84.1
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to feel disconnected - from ourselves, from others, and even from God. The weight of work, family, and personal challenges combined with constant distractions can often leave us feeling stressed and alone. The world we live in wants to cut us off from God. Pressures from work, relationships, and our own unmet expectations often leave us yearning for support and true peace.
King David was under constant pressure throughout his life. From fighting a literal giant as a boy, to being chased by a king and his armies, to the pressures of serving as king, losing a child, and even fighting a rebellion led by his own son, David faced more pressure than any of us probably could imagine.
Throughout his life, David’s true relief and joy came from worshiping the one True God. He longed to make a permanent dwelling place (Temple) to worship God, but he was denied that task. David found comfort (Psalm 122.1) and joy (Psalm 84.2) by spending time in the tabernacle experiencing God’s grace. For David, the house of the Lord was a refuge from the pressures of the world - a place to focus on his Creator. Everything in the tabernacle was specifically designed to remind the Israelites of God’s power (Ark), presence (Table of Shewbread), and grace (mercy seat and altar). It was designed to remind them of all that God had done for them, from providing for their daily needs to the cleansing of their sins.
Scripture reassures us that by Christ’s death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and that wherever two or more are gathered in His name (Matthew 18.20) Jesus is with us. Worshiping together in a church setting is God’s design for His followers. Whether it’s a small gathering in a house or in a large building with elegant decorations, God comes to us to offer peace and a glimpse of heaven through His offerings of Grace.
We recognize that the Church is the gathering of the faithful, not the building they meet in. However, much like for David and the Israelites (and the early Church), it is a tool to help us in our faith journey. This tool, the building, is a place that is set-apart from our daily burdens of work, life, and worldly distractions. At the church, we shut out all the noise and chaos and corporately focus on the good work that Christ has done and is doing in us. This tool (building) may not hold the Ark of the Covenant, but it contains many elements that should remind us of God’s work. Does the Communion table remind you of The Last Supper? Does the Baptismal font remind you of being washed of your sins? Does the fellowship hall remind you of Jesus breaking bread together with His followers? Does the nursery and its staff remind you that Jesus said to “Let the little children come”? What else in our building helps us shut out the world's noise and remember what God has done for us?
I pray that as we continue growing in faith by finding sanctuary in God and all He’s given us, we will steward this building well and enjoy a place set apart from our daily stress and struggle. I pray we find within it reminders of God’s grace and glory. Finally, I pray that we hold onto the reminder that God is always with us and will reside with us until that day He brings us home to the Church triumphant.
Daniel Barber, Facilities Director
