What Is Lovely?

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in You!
Psalm 84:10-12
 
Have you ever experienced that feeling of lose when you finally realized what you had, but it was too late, and now it’ gone?  I am sure we have all been there.  That is where this Psalm is coming from.  It is attributed to the sons of Korah.  Korah was a man/family that had been entrusted with caring for the things of the Tabernacle.  Think of them as the custodians.  It isn’t a very glorifying job, but still a necessary job and one that everyone appreciates but they don’t say much until it isn’t done right.  Well, Korah grew disgruntled with his job, wanted another one, rebelled, and was destroyed.  Only his sons survived and they became the custodians.  They, however, recognized the loveliness of their position and celebrated it – how blessed to be on the door step of the house of God!!

In this life we have to be careful to not miss the good God has given us because we get too focused on the good God gave someone else.  Paul tells us in Philippians to dwell on whatever is lovely.  It is a good challenge for us.  Dwell on your lovely – not someone else’s.  That lovely you dwell on should be what ever stirs up a love for God in your heart and a love for others in your life.  If what you find yourself dwelling on is stirring up an attitude of resentment, contempt, or envy then that thing for you is not lovely.

God has given you lovely things and lovely people to dwell on.  Those things will draw you closer to Him, not pull you further away.  Find those lovely things and people – cling to them.  Better to spend a day with them than a thousand somewhere else.   

Pastor Matt