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“For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.” Psalm 69:9 (ESV)

One child in one arm and the other tagging behind barely clinging to my hand as we maneuvered the busy parking lot. Getting to church seemed like a gigantic accomplishment in my early parenting days. If someone didn’t spill their breakfast on their clothes, then the other one would definitely spill something on me. Quite the circus to just make it out the door.

By the time I landed in my seat and took a deep breath, my mind was all over the place. Perhaps you’ve felt that way too. Simply trying to recover. Interesting how many disasters, distractions and interruptions can evolve in just one Sunday morning regardless of our best laid plans.

Fast forward to our empty nester season and its’ a breeze to make our arrival but that doesn’t minimize the distractions. The familiarity of Sunday church can seem effortless and routine – simply the place we go each week. Walk in, shake a few hands, smile, sing, listen and go home. Another event penciled in on a crazy schedule – following hard after tradition.

Scrunched in the midst of a weekly checklist, church can be a place where we say all the right things, play the role and then resume our true self. It can become a casual event consumed with what’s in it for me or who will I see. We can rush in just like we rush through life and multitask through the sermon as we fill a seat with digital devices in hand.

Don’t quite think this is the way Jesus viewed God’s house. When moneychangers and sellers dominated the temple price-gouging, He didn’t waste time righting the wrong. Jesus’ passion to restore holiness and worship in the temple propelled Him to take immediate action.

What would He think of us today?

Sellers and money-changers we’re not, but dare we consider if our passion for His house has taken second seat to our agenda and entertainment. Keeping it real here do we prepare our hearts before entering God’s house? Do we get caught up in the emotion of song and rhythm rather than worshipping from an undivided heart devoted to His?

Sunday is coming sweet friend, and God’s been nudging my heart – step back, evaluate and enter His house with a renewed awe. Come with anticipation and eager to worship with all of our heart, soul and mind. A zeal for His house – a passion for His presence – not simply a ritual or habit to check off our list.

“Father remove the distractions, agendas and diversions which seek to steal away my heart from Yours.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life