Into His Courts

In April of 2023, I had the unforgettable experience of taking my grandson, Colton Stock, to Houston for college basketball’s Final Four. Although we were mostly indifferent to the four teams involved, it was an experience like no other.

I bought our tickets months in advance. I soon received a packet of information with all kinds of instructions including our seat numbers in the first row of the first balcony level above one end of the court.  The instructions included this statement: “Enter the Southwest Gate of NRG Stadium with the digital tickets which you will receive 2 weeks before the event.”  I immediately knew what was needed. The digital tickets were required to enter the stadium through the gate.

When we arrived, we were a bit surprised at how far we were from the actual basketball court. We were in, but a long way from the action. A little investigation revealed that another level of credentials was required to get court-side. We were destined to watch from a distance. It was a great experience, but I’m sure it would have been even more special if we had met the requirements to get closer to that court.

I struck me that in ancient times, royalty, much like these basketball stars, had a similar structure surrounding them.  People could get through the gates to be somewhat near the king. But others, the ones really close to the king, met the requirements to be inside the king’s court.

This was probably in King David’s mind when he gave us this admonition in Psalms 100:

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise…” Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I have always considered that to be an instruction about what to do when we come into God’s presence.  But, I’m wondering if maybe it is more of an instruction about what actually allows us closeness in His presence.

Could it be that expressing my thanks is like a digital ticket to move me through His gates? Does my thanksgiving allow me to enter? And, what if…following that with praise for who and what He is, moves me into a closer position…into His court? Hmmm…

I’m making it my practice to begin each of my devotional times with moments of thanksgiving…followed by moments of praise. When I come into His presence, I want to be court-side.

Please follow and like us: