Daily Psalms February 11th

February 11

Psalm 24:1–6.

1 The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;

2 for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.

3 Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?

4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.

5 They will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God their Savior.

6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob.

THE PURSUIT OF GOD.

All money, talent, health, power, and pleasure in the world are God’s. But the greatest treasure he can give us is life in his presence. His face—not the gifts of his hands, though they are welcome—is where we find the glory that other things fail to provide. To know his presence, however, is to “ascend” a hill or mountain (verse 3), and doing so is always a struggle. You must repent, seeking a clear conscience (verse 4). You must know your idols and reject them (verse 4). And you must wrestle in prayer to seek God’s face, as did Jacob (verse 6), who said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me” (Genesis 32:26).

Prayer:

Lord, you alone are the fountain of the life and love I have looked for in other places, to my misery. I want to love you for yourself alone and know your fellowship and presence. That will be a long journey and a struggle. But I commit myself to it today. Amen.