Fixed Hearts Of The Saints In Public Worship

We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple. (Psalm 48:9)

Every soul that is born again of the Holy Spirit sets his thoughts on the lovingkindness of God in the trinity of His persons. We think on God the Father who chose us in sovereign election. We think on God the Son who redeemed us by the blood of His cross. And we think on God the Holy Spirit who quickened us to spiritual life and faith in Jesus Christ.  And consider that even now we are kept in the faith by the power, grace, and love of God until we receive the kingdom He has prepared for us (1 Peter 1:5; Matthew 25:34). Now, where are the believer’s best thoughts of God’s lovingkindness experienced?  The Holy Spirit by the prophet here gives us the answer – “in the midst of thy temple.”  The temple was at this time the only place God met with Israel and manifested his abiding presence. It was there that the thoughts of Israel were fixed on the sacrifices which pictured Jesus Christ. Even so, now it is the church where God’s saints gather to worship and praise God through the preaching of the Gospel.  Wherever the gospel of Jesus Christ is preached, the minds and hearts of the saints are fixed on the lovingkindness of God.  It is here our affections are set on Christ because where two or three gather together in his name, Jesus is in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20).

Therefore, it is no wonder the Apostle Paul exhorts the saints to not to forsake the assembling of yourselves together. Because when we assemble to worship Christ, He meets with us. And as we hear his word, our thoughts are fixed on His lovingkindness. As the saints of God meet to think of God’s lovingkindness, we find great joy and peace for our
souls.

-F.E