Forty Days in the Psalmsනියැදිය

Years ago, I (Shawn) was asked to sing with Phillips Craig and Dean in an open-air tabernacle near Ocean Grove, NJ. It was an expansive wooden structure with thousands of seats. I was in awe of this great hall held together by massive beams, creating an almost Heavenly moment when the congregation sang.

Although I can’t remember many more details, I never forgot a sign hanging near the stage area. In big, bold letters were the words, “Holiness to the Lord.” It brought seriousness to my participation that night, although I’m not talking about melancholy and moroseness. But as I sang and worshipped in that grand auditorium, it was a great reminder that the Eyes of a Holy Lord were upon us.

For God’s people in the Old Testament, the place of worship was Mt. Zion. I’ve seen Mt. Zion. It’s not really much of a mountain but more like a hill. Yet the ascent to the place of worship reminded David (who wrote this Psalm) and God’s people that God was and is above all things. He is a Loving and Merciful God, but He isn’t to be trifled with. How we approach Him is no inconsequential matter. He is Holy.

As David contemplates worship, he is reminded of this: “Who shall dwell on your holy hill” (v. 1)? It is a question he attempts to answer in the rest of the Psalm. The theme is integrity, which means wholeness or completeness; like a book with all its pages or a whole loaf of bread, no part is left out.

When you read this Psalm, you may feel a certain reluctance. I mean, who is completely honest and whole? Who can say they never cheat? Can anyone dwell in God’s Presence?

While you and I, as followers of Jesus, fall short of this Holiness, it should still be our heart's cry. "God, when I come before you, help me to bring all of me. Nothing is left out. Nothing hidden." Isn’t this what the psalmist is calling for? Isn’t this what God is looking for?

As C.S. Lewis writes, “May it be the real I who speaks. May it be the real Thou that I speak to.”

I believe this is the kind of integrity God is looking for. No posing. No posturing. Nothing hidden. Just me before a Holy God. This is the worshipper God accepts.

RESPOND IN PRAYER:

Perhaps a good place to begin in prayer is right here. Lord, as I consider Your Holiness, I know all the ways I fall short. Lord, you already know. Nevertheless, here I am, just as I am.

Beloved, continue in the light of this. Then thank God for the Way that has been made into the Holy Presence of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. He makes you worthy to enter.