There are two readings for today.
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 132
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
For the LORD has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling, saying, “This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it. I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor I will satisfy with food. I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her faithful people will ever sing for joy. [Psalm 132:13-16]
God wants to live close to us, to enjoy our company and bless us with joy.
God created humanity for His pleasure, we were made to live with God in this world.
We rejected this and reaped the misery and despair that this world is without God.
But those who set their hearts on being with God will rediscover the joy of His presence and blessing.
This was David’s heart; his desire to build a temple for God revealed his desire to be close to God, and to have God close to him.
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. [Psalm 84:10]
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. [John 14:23]
Jesus came to rebuild God’s spiritual temple, that is, to restore God’s family to close intimate fellowship with Him.
God’s desire today is the same as always, to dwell with us and bless us with joy.
But notice that as with David and his descendants, Jesus makes it clear that we also need to love and obey Him, to make it our heart’s desire to live with Him.
We all want blessings from God, but do we want the blessing of God Himself?
Do we feel, like David, that being close to God is better than being anywhere else, doing anything else, having anything us?
We are mistaken if we think that all the pleasures and possessions in the world will bring us joy; without God, even owning everything will leave us empy.
Only God within, living in fellowship with Him, experiencing His love and loving Him first, can satisfy the deepest desires of our heart.
If we have God, then we will joy within, regardless of what we have or don’t have.
God’s desire is to love and bless us, and He will, if we desire to love and bless Him!
This is the secret to contentment, the key to joy and happiness.
It is not found in seeking things or experiences or health and wealth; it is found in seeking God first, loving and being with Him first…
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [Matthew 6:33]
PRAYER:
Lord, I would rather be a servant in Your presence than a billionaire without you. Only knowing You, living with You, can make me truly rich and happy.