SATISFIED WITH THE GOODNESS OF THY HOUSE

Verses 9-13 of this psalm imply that it was composed to celebrate before God an exceptionally good harvest. David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, while appreciating the good hand of God in providing material blessings, considered first the response of the heart to God’s spiritual blessings. The Lord Jesus also preached the same order of priorities when He said, “seek ye first the kingdom of God … and all these things shall be added unto you”, Matt. 6. 33.

David knew that praise and prayer were suitable exercises of heart on mount Zion. Only those who had been forgiven, who had been chosen, were allowed to approach God on mount Zion and even to “dwell in thy courts”. No outsider, not knowing the “God of our salvation”, could be thus blessed, vv. 1-4.

“The goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple” were blessings that should give spiritual satisfaction. There can be no duality about this. A man, glorying in worldly attainment and finding satisfaction in worldly pleasures, is not likely to find satisfaction in spiritual things.

In the N.T., being a member of the body of Christ, being a member of a local church or assembly according to the revealed pattern brings blessing and goodness. In the Jerusalem church, even material and financial needs were met, Acts 2. 45; 4. 34-37; 11. 27-30; Rom. 15. 25-27, and this was called “fruit”, v. 28. If we were asked, “Count your blessings, name them one by one”, would we be able to do so, and would we be surprised at what the Lord has done?

On the highest plane, as members of the body of Christ, a growing holy temple, we have been “blessed … with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ”, Eph. 1. 3. The goodness of God enables us to continue “stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers”, Acts 2. 42. The goodness of God provides all believers with spiritual gifts for the edifying of all the churches in many differing ways, 1 Cor. 12. 7, 11. The goodness of God provides ability and opportunity to proclaim the gospel to those on the outside of the church. By these means, we bring forth a fruitful harvest unto God.

“God gave the increase”, 1 Cor. 3. 6, 7.