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““Let Us Go to the House of the Lord” – Psalm 122 and the Joy of Worshiping Together”
Categories: Magnify the Lord!(By Michael Walls)
“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’” —Psalm 122:1 (ESV)
Are you glad when you are at church and get to worship God? Or, better yet, are you glad when worship is discussed? Do you joyfully anticipate getting to assemble together with your brethren, singing together and hearing God’s Word proclaimed? Do you look forward to stirring your brethren up to love and good works?
There is a unique joy that comes from gathering with others to worship God. Psalm 122 is a song of ascent—a hymn sung by pilgrims making their way to Jerusalem for worship. But it’s more than a travel song. It captures the heartbeat of those who long not just for a place, but for presence—God’s presence shared among His people.
David doesn’t say, “I was glad to go.” He says, “I was glad when they said to me…” This joy begins in community. The anticipation builds not alone, but with others who share the same desire: Let us go. It is a call to unity, to shared purpose, and to the deep satisfaction of coming together in God’s name. This is the fellowship Paul wrote about in Philippians.
Worship isn’t just a personal experience—it’s a communal blessing. Psalm 122 reminds us that the gathering of God’s people isn’t a burden or obligation. Rather, it’s an invitation to joy! To belonging, to being reminded that we are not alone in our faith or our struggles. While worship is certainly possible and should happen individually, God has always commanded his people to assemble together regularly and often.
In a world increasingly marked by isolation, may we echo David’s gladness. May we hunger for the house of the Lord—not as a building, but as a place where hearts are lifted together, voices rise in harmony, and the presence of God dwells among His people. After all, David also wrote:
“Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!” (Psalm 34:3, ESV)
