The Temple is the place where God dwells on earth; it is the Presence of God; it is “heaven on earth.” That Place is the spirit inside the body of the believer in Jesus Christ. That “Presence” is much more available since the Day of Pentecost; however, it is also a little more elusive.
The OT believer knew exactly where Yahweh was and how to reach Him. Getting there and being there was the high point of the day (morning and evening sacrifice), or the week (Sabbath Day), or the year (one of three annual Festivals). The Pilgrimage journey to get there may be arduous, but it is filled with excitement and anticipation. Worshiping there fills the inner yearning for the best place to be in all the world. There is nothing like it. Outside of the Presence are bad things, Sin and Evil.
Going to church, attending Bible study fellowship, and spending time alone with God in Bible and Prayer is the present day experience of entering into the Presence of God, or “longing for the courts of the Lord.” Living in The Presence is worth the time and effort. Being with your friend beats being with your enemy.