Call Out To The Living God
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Psalm 84:4,10-11 RSV
Blessed are those who dwell in thy house, ever singing thy praise! For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper
in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the LORD withhold from those who walk uprightly.
I know I often say, “This is one of my favorite scripture passages” when I begin a devotion. It’s true every time! So much of the Bible speaks to me and my life that I very often do feel as if it were written just for me. Of course, that is exactly what God had in mind when He inspired those who first recorded the words they received from Him. Whether or not every single word or every single scenario is exactly and precisely accurate doesn’t matter to me. I believe the words are inspired so that they can speak to each of us when and where we need it. That’s what is important to me!
I share this psalmist’s contention that a day with God is and will be better than any day on earth we can imagine. I would give anything for just a glimpse at the holiness of God. Having declared that, I realize that what I say and think are not always in line with how I live, and my actions. My humanity gets in the way all too often – usually, to be truthful. I try and try to be “good enough” to deserve heaven, yet I know I will never accomplish it. That’s why I am ever grateful for Jesus. He accomplished perfection for us.
I agree that I would rather stand at the gates of heaven – just outside the entrance, than live forever in sin. Even the opportunity to glimpse inside would be unspeakably, breathtakingly wonderful! Some of this psalm’s preceding verses state: “my heart and soul cry out for the living God.” Isn’t that the longing we all feel? Don’t we seek comfort and refuge from the hardships of this life?
We are made with that inner longing. It is the breath of life, breathed into us by the Spirit of the living God. All too often, though, we seek to fill that void, to satisfy that longing with things of the world. We all struggle with it in various ways and at various times—its part of being human.
My prayer today is that when you sense that longing for meaning and value, you call out to the Living God. And that you rejoice that heaven awaits those who seek it.
Mary
