Closer Day 6 – Psalm 24:1-6

Read: Psalm 24:1-6

A Psalm of David. 1 The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, 2 for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. 3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. 5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah

Reflect

Have you ever stood on a beach, looked out over a valley, walked through a forest, and become overwhelmed by creation? To think that the creator God, who helps me through every moment of my day, and gives me breath in my lungs, created all of this, and it belongs to Him. Our verses for today begin with a reminder of who God is as the creator and owner of all. Even just this thought should adjust how we care for the world and the people around us. They do not belong to us; they are His. David goes on to ask who can go before God. The answer is clear, the One with a clean heart and clean hands, who is truthful in all ways. As we look at ourselves, we know immediately we do not qualify to go before God. My heart is not pure; I know the thoughts and struggles I deal with. My hands and my actions toward the outside world are often colored with selfishness and pride.

We know we can never stand before God on our own, but because of the incredible gift of Jesus, we don’t have to. We have a place before God, not because we can earn it with right living, but because Jesus did. He had the purest of hearts, filled with love and obedience to the Father. He had the purest of hands, loving and serving a world that hated Him. He was the embodiment of Truth on this earth. His sacrifice created a place for us before God. We can enter the presence of God and receive the blessing of God because of the sacrifice of Christ. Don’t rush past this truth. Take a few minutes and sit quietly, absorbing who Jesus is and what His gift of salvation means for today, tomorrow, and all eternity.

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for standing in my place. Thank you for wearing my sins, experiencing my shame and guilt, and exchanging my ashes for beauty at the cross. Please help me live knowing that your victory has given me all I need for today. Help me remember that I am a recipient of God’s blessing and salvation. Help me to seek Your face daily, not just Your hands, not just Your blessings. Help me to know You more. Thank you for the beautiful creation that is always pointing back to you. It is in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.