Enter In

Psalms 100:4 ESV

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!”

My husband spoke a message this past Sunday titled “He has made me glad” referencing the above scripture. He of course spoke of the importance of engaging in praise and worship but what stood out the most to me was the explanation of thanksgiving (praise) being the key that unlocks the gate so that we can then enter into God’s courts.

A courtyard was an essential element in the construction of the Tabernacle found in Exodus 27. The height and depth of the wall of the courtyard made it so those on the outside of the wall could not peer into the place of worship but rather had to enter through the gate to get there.

If we desire to spend time with God we must first enter through the gate, and we do this with thanksgiving/praise. We praise God and thank Him for all that He has done for us, this is an absolute requirement if we are to enter in. Entering in will require something of us – and that is us humbling ourselves and offering up sincere praise.

I understand that we are oftentimes required to face the darker side of life and that entering into God’s presence feels like a difficult task. But I have come to learn that making the sacrifice and entering through the gate with a thankful heart and with praise on my lips, is always worthwhile. Praise changes my perspective and allows me to see it a bit more clearly.

If you feel as though you keep running into the same wall, I recommend approaching it with praise and thanksgiving to our loving God, and then watch how He miraculously turns your situation around!