Psalm 24

 

On difficult days like today, I cling to the words in Psalm 24.  A reminder that this world, and my life, belong to the Lord.  By His word it was all founded and established.  By His word.  Not mine.  That’s why I need to cling to Gods word.  I can so easily think I’ve got some control.  Even convince myself I can change things going on around me.  So for today I will say, with David…

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.” Psalm 24:1-2

 There are also days when I feel incapable and unworthy of the Lord. My hands are not clean, but filthy with sin. My heart is not pure, but dark and dank.  Often my idols are not statues, but people.  Specifically, my children. I want to be worthy to ascend His mountain and stand in His holy place.  But am incapable on my own, in my sinful humanness.  What must I do, Jesus?

 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. Psalm 24:3-4

 So what do I see?  What I believe?  That God has already cleaned my hands and purified my heart.  A gift freely given to me when Jesus died on the cross once and for all.  That includes you, too.  That’s where verse 5 brings it home for me. A sweet beautiful blessing.

 They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. Psalm 24:5

 In the midst of our trials, temptations and challenges…we will choose to keep our eyes stayed on His face?  To raise our hands in praise and worship to the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?  I hope and pray, like the psalmist, David, we will say yes!  Always and forever yes!

 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob. Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Psalm 24:6-7

 And when I question who He is,

The Lord of heavenly hosts.

May I remember that I am His;

Of God’s glory may I always boast.

The Lord is strong and he is mighty,

Through all times, be it in joy or in battle.

I’ll lift up my head and see him rightly,

My wee life in Him shan’t unravel.

 

Oh! King of Glory, perfecter of grace,

Let my life be a beautiful testimony.

Let all, in me, see Your face,

Forever and ever, only.

  Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Psalm 24:8-9

 In Mark 8:29 Jesus asks his disciples, “But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am.”  In a bold and rock-like manner, Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”

Oh, to be as bold, strong, confident and courageous as Peter.  With all of my sin and imperfections, I forget that I can come boldly to His throne. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 KJV.  And suddenly it all becomes clear.  Which doesn’t make it easy, just clear.  Clear that He is the King of glory, the Lord Almighty.  Of me, my life, my family, my finances, my health.

 Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty— he is the King of glory.” Psalm 24:10 NIV

So on days like today, and perhaps even tomorrow, may we always remember that God is in control.  He knows everything, sees everything and controls everything.  To be a follower of Jesus, a disciple, we must take up our cross and follow Him.  In so doing even though we lose our life, we are saved…because we have lost our lives for Him and for the gospel. (Romans 8:34-35 paraphrased.)

Dear Heavenly Father, I desire to live my life for You, help me to take up my cross daily and follow You.  You already know my story.  From beginning to end.  Let me fully trust You in all of the details of my life, trust You with my husband and my daughters, with our finances and our future.  Thank you, Jesus for being my Lord and my Savior. Amen!