“But you shall seek the place that the Lord your God will choose out of all your tribes to put his name and make his habitation there. There you shall go,”
— Deuteronomy 12:5, 11ESV
In the Old Testament, the place God chose was a specific physical location where He put His name.Today, as God’s children, we must be led by His Spirit (Romans 8:14). For God is found by everyone who reverently seeks Him, according to our Lord Jesus who declared that true worshippers are those who worship the Father in spirit and in truth (John 4:21-24).
However, intentionality is a key factor considered by God. Did we notice how He instructed His people to seek out the specific place He chose to be worshipped? This begs a crucial question for us today: Have we ever stopped to ask if God actually led us to our current place of worship? And if He did, is His presence still there?
Too often, our motives are misplaced. Some attend a particular church for business connections; others go to find a spouse; others simply follow the crowd to whatever church is currently trending and many other reasons. However it is, our presence in a house of worship must be the result of divine direction and not personal interest or convenience. We must seek His presence and not just a platform.
When we are aligned with God’s chosen place for worship, our service shifts from an obligation to a relationship. Work for God should always be done with holy joy and cheerfulness. From the youngest children to the leaders, everyone should rejoice before the Lord. True worship and service to God are meant to be a profound pleasure—not a burden, a task, or mere obligation.
We must examine our hearts, realign our steps and ensure that where we stand is truly where He has called us to be.
Shalom 🕊️
Bimpe Lawal