“I Was Glad”

Bill McFarland

Two basic facts about the assembling of the Lord’s people stand out in the Scriptures. First, the Lord’s people cannot do without the strength they gain from meeting together (Hebrews 10:24-25). Second, they are to look upon the opportunity to assemble as one of their happiest privileges. As David said, “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go unto the house of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1).

1. We can develop a better attitude toward assembling. Christians should view their assembling together in family terms. We meet to express our love and devotion to our Father, as well as to urge our brothers on in love and good works. There are no moments on earth more precious to people who expect to spend eternity together in God’s household than those moments spent together in worship. May we therefore anticipate worship time with joyful gladness.

2. We can prepare ourselves for the assembly. One who approaches this opportunity with his mind soured by an argument with his mate or by a gripe against a brother will almost certainly miss the joy of the occasion. Why not be ready for the assembly in plenty of time and prepare yourself with a sincere prayer before you leave home? Enter the meeting house with a glad heart and a smile on your face. You will be making the assembly more uplifting to yourself and to your brethren.

3. We can all participate in the worship service. There are some good reasons why an atmosphere of gladness grows when each individual participates. One is that the individual gets more out of it himself. Another is that the fellow next to him is encouraged to join in. A third is that God is pleased, for He requires that each person offer his own worship. Your involvement will bring vitality to our assemblies.