Psalms Streak: A Daily Devotional in the PsalmsSample

Clean Hands, Pure Heart

“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?” (v. 3)
Why is David talking about mountain climbing, you ask?? This verse is actually referring to being right with God. We find the answer in the following verse:

“The one who has clean hands and a pure heart” (v. 4)
The question is really, "Who can be in the presence of God?" The answer: "ANYONE who is pure in both his or her actions (hands) and intentions (heart)". Our actions and intentions matter in all of our relationships. We can't be rude or awful to our friends or family and expect to enter their presence as though everything is just fine! We need to ask for forgiveness and move forward in our relationships with the intention of purity and kindness. We need to work on our relationships with people and with God!

The amazing news is that because of what Jesus did on the cross, we don't have to be perfect to confidently approach God. Just as in any relationship, the way we live is important to God. There are things that please Him and things that don’t. We live under His grace, the undeserved gift of God and, as His children, we are invited into His presence.

GO DEEP: Invite the Lord to examine your heart. Are you walking in purity in your actions and in your heart? Maybe you need to repent of something today. Receive His forgiveness and go climb that mountain!

BE BOLD: Who needs to hear this? Who could you share it with?