The Beauty of His Presence

“I rejoiced with those who said to me,

 ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD.’” 

(Psalm 122:1)

Psalm 122 is a song of joy sung by a pilgrim entering Jerusalem—the place where God’s presence dwelt among His people. The psalmist’s delight is not in architecture, scenery, or ritual. His joy rises from one profound truth: God is there. The house of the Lord was the place of communion, peace, and belonging. It was where the people lifted their eyes beyond themselves to the living God.

But Scripture moves us forward into a deeper mystery: the holy city is no longer the center of God’s dwelling. In Christ, we have become the dwelling place of God. Eugene Peterson writes, “The church is not what we do; it is what God is doing with us.” The house of God is now formed from the people of God—our lives, our prayers, our fellowship, our worship. Holiness is no longer about sacred stone; it is the radiance of God’s life within us.

Holiness is a beauty that comes not from striving but from abiding. When God dwells in the heart, peace grows in hidden places. Grace softens our words. Love becomes our atmosphere. C.S. Lewis reminds us that those who think holiness is dull have simply never met the real thing. When Christ fills a life, it glows with joy. Even ordinary moments become altars. If the Holy Spirit dwells in us, then our lives can carry God’s peace into our homes, workplaces, friendships, and neighborhoods.This is the beauty of holiness: God living in us, shaping us, shining through us.

Prayer

Lord, we rejoice to be in Your presence. Make our hearts Your home. Fill us with Your peace within and around us. Form in us the quiet beauty of holiness—steady, joyful, humble, and kind. Let Your Spirit shine through us, that our lives may be instruments of peace. In Your name we pray. Amen.