When God’s People Dwell Together
Psalm 133:1–3
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Additional Reading
Psalm 133:1–3; Ephesians 4:1–3
Theme: God delights in blessing a church that is united around Jesus Christ, walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, and characterized by humility and meekness.
Devotional
Everybody wants revival, but are we willing to prepare for it?
We often speak about revival as though it were something we can schedule. We announce meetings. We invite a preacher. We select music. We organize services. Those things may be useful, but they cannot produce revival.
Revival is a sovereign work of God.
Only God can awaken a sleeping church. Only God can bring genuine conviction. Only God can restore broken hearts, heal families, save sinners, and breathe spiritual life into His people.
Yet Scripture repeatedly shows God's people preparing themselves for His work.
Psalm 133 identifies one of those areas of preparation: unity.
David does not merely say unity is practical. He says it is good and pleasant.
Unity pleases God.
David compares unity to the precious oil that flowed down Aaron's head and garments. Oil frequently pictures the gracious work of the Holy Spirit. He then compares unity to the dew of Mount Hermon—refreshing, life-giving moisture falling upon dry ground.
That is what biblical unity can do within a congregation.
It refreshes tired believers.
It restores relationships.
It creates an atmosphere where forgiveness replaces bitterness, encouragement replaces criticism, and love replaces contention.
Satan understands the destructive power of division. If he cannot destroy a church through persecution from the outside, he will gladly attempt to divide it through pride, bitterness, gossip, jealousy, preferences, and offenses from the inside.
A divided church may still meet.
It may still sing.
It may still preach.
It may still have programs.
But its spiritual strength is being drained away.
This is why revival preparation must become personal.
It is easy to say, “Our church needs revival.”
The harder question is:
What needs to change in me for revival to come to our church?
Before asking God to change everyone else, ask Him to search your heart.
Am I contributing to the unity of my church?
Or am I part of its tension?
Am I refreshing people—or exhausting them?
Am I building up—or tearing down?
God calls unity good.
Today, ask Him to begin that unity in you.
Reflection Questions
When I pray for revival, am I primarily asking God to change others, or am I asking Him to change me?
Am I currently contributing to greater unity within my church?
Is there bitterness, resentment, jealousy, or unresolved conflict in my heart?
Would people describe my presence in the church as refreshing or divisive?
What is one specific step I can take today to strengthen unity?
Prayer
Lord, search my heart. Show me anything in my attitude, words, or relationships that is hindering unity. Remove bitterness, pride, jealousy, and selfishness from me. Make me an instrument of peace and encouragement in Your church. Prepare my heart for genuine revival. In Jesus' name, Amen.