Have you ever walked into worship or opened your Bible for your quiet time knowing that your heart just wasn’t right? Knowing that you have just uttered snide or angry comments to a friend or family member? When I find myself in this situation, I also generally find myself walking away discouraged, convicted, and without blessing as I know that my heart was not pure and I was not truly seeking God in and for His glory. It’s not a good feeling.
This Psalm reminds the Israelites of God’s greatness and power. It reminds them that He created all things and is sovereign over them. God desires good things for His people who come to worship in His presence. However, something else this Psalm discusses is who exactly will receive His blessing.
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
The Israelites were reminded of the importance of their motives as they approached worship. Were their hearts genuinely seeking and hungering for God and had their actions toward others been pleasing to God? Our attitude and motives toward worship matter. We are approaching the King of Glory who is “the Lord, strong and mighty” (v.8). We are approaching the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Focusing on His glory and seeking after Him is an act of intentionality. This won’t happen by accident, and it won’t happen with good intentions. I challenge you (as I challenge myself!) to be intentional in your approach as you take the time to search and prepare your heart to be in His presence, seeking His glory and blessing.
VC Devotionals 