Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 16
Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (1 Chronicles 16.10-11)
Devotional Thought: The Ark of the Covenant represented the presence of God among his chosen people. David was elated to have it brought into Jerusalem and placed into the care of the Levites. He was a man unashamed to be joyful in the Lord’s presence, in spite of what anyone around him thought of his celebration! It is in this context that he offers up a song of thanksgiving to the Lord.
His excitement and joy are almost palpable to the reader. “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!” (v8). King David had his shares of ups and downs, but one of his most admirable qualities is how he always circled back to praising the Lord and enjoying His presence. Even as he sang this song, he reminded the people of God’s faithfulness, his justice, his power, and his glory. He also issued a challenge to the Israelites. “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (v. 11).
How much of the heartache that Israel faced was directly attributable to them not doing this? Instead of seeking the Lord’s presence and relying on His strength, they sought their own way and relied on their own wisdom. For that matter, how many of our problems and sorrows are attributable to the same heart condition? We know the Lord is faithful, just, loving, and glorious. But how woefully quickly we forget the truth and fall back into the enemy’s trap of joy-stealing self-reliance. The only way to guard our hearts against this is by seeking His presence continually. Follow David’s advice! “Sing to the Lord… Tell of his salvation… declare his glory [and] his marvelous works… For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised!” (vv. 23, 24, 25).
Jenny
Prayer: Lord, we set our gaze to the Kingdom. Help us to keep our eyes and hearts from lusting after lesser things. Satisfy us with Your presence as we seek You.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 42: 8-11
8 By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.
9 I say to God, my rock: "Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"
10 As with a deadly wound in my bones, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me all the day long, "Where is your God?"
11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
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