Meditate in God’s Temple and Beyond

A psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? ... The one thing I ask of the LORD--the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the LORD with music. Hear me as I pray, O LORD. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me." And my heart responds, "LORD, I am coming." Psalm 27:1, 4-8 

Meditate. Consider God’s protection in scripture.

 

Front of the Temple
...from the Court of Prayer.

My parents arrived at the Temple after three days of searching for me in Jerusalem. I was in my Father’s House—studying and learning so much from the debates and discussions with the Rabbis and other religious teachers sitting on the steps and in the colonnades of the Temple. When my family left Jerusalem at the end of the Passover Celebration, I was so entranced and enamored by the depth of the debates and discussions with the Rabbis that I didn’t even realize my family was headed home. They left without me.

After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn't miss him at first, because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn't show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they couldn't find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. His parents didn't know what to think. "Son," his mother said to him, "why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere." "But why did you need to search?" he asked. "Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?" Luke 2:43-49

There I was in my Father’s House, but my parents were frantic—and very upset. I guess they thought I was lost…or worse, that I had been kidnapped or something. Yes, three days is a long time to just focus on something else besides family.

It was such a unique opportunity for me to study with those Rabbis. They actually listened to me, allowing me to deliberate scripture with them. The poetic books of Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastics were probably my most favorite, especially the ones written by my ancestor David. I could meditate on verses from those books for years.

Another thing the Rabbis discussed was the importance of washing one’s feet. Really poor people go barefoot, but mostly we just wear sandals and either way, our feet get so dirty—so we need to wash them. Rich people with servants have someone wash the feet of guests. That is humbling—gently scrubbing off the caked-on mud, dirt, and toe-jam. Could I ever do that? Would I do it if my Father asked me to? Yes. Of course. I am obedient to my Heavenly Father—the Almighty God. Washing feet, dishes, clothes—none of it is beneath me. I am willing to serve where I am needed. I listen to God the Father, my earthly parents, and obey all—that is just how I am. Blessed to be a blessing to others. I will meditate on that as I go home to Nazareth.

 

Prayer – Lord God, Thank You for Your Son, Jesus. He is such a good example—as well as the best teacher ever, and part of the God-Head Triune. Yes. He is a friend, confidant, leader, as well as obedient Savior. Lord of lords and King of kings.

 

Verse of Salvation ~ But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The LORD is great!"

 

© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

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