Daily Reading: Amos 1 – 3, Psalm 27
Amos 3:3 “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” I’ve been working in my Mind Of Christ workbook and learning of the ordered mind of Christ. There is no conflict in a mind that only seeks the will of God and this verse in Amos really triggered conviction because I am not so ordered, so pure or so focused. I want to walk with God, but I so often live a life that disagrees with Him. What mercy He shows in never leaving me.
Psalm 27:4-6 “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. (5) For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. (6) And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.”
One thing. How hard it is to desire one thing. I have so many desires I can’t keep track of them all and yet…all I really need is One thing. It seems like such a long road to get to that place…to have a heart like David. In reality though, I think it is just a matter of surrender and for some it takes a long time for others it is simply a process of opening the eyes to see the truth. The Bible is full of promises like this…Matthew 6:33 is one of my favorites. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” This is what the Bible study lesson is about this morning. Seeking what’s important. If we truly desire the One thing…the presence of God…we will automatically receive His protections, His peace, His affection and His joy. I can remember living that way. In my early twenties I was passionate about the business of doing the will of God every moment. I was so full of faith that I said and did seemingly wacky things in order to always and completely fall in line with seeking first His Kingdom. I felt completely free of all other concerns…God took care of those things…they were “added unto me” as He saw fit. I have felt for some time that I have slipped in this area. That I am no longer up upon the rock (vs. 5). That as time passes and distractions have come I have taken myself down step by step, until I can only look longingly at the top and remember the view for what it was to me at one time. Now, with a family and the responsibilities that I have, it is harder to drop all other concerns and focus on the Kingdom of God, but it is infinitely more important. What greater example can I be to Owen than to show him true peace under the protection and instruction of God. What is better for a husband than to have a wife that knows and follows the heart of God.
David ends verse 6 by once again reminding me that praise is key in accomplishing true faith. “I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.” My praise unifies my heart, and surrenders my will. I have often said that worship is not just something we do on Sunday morning…it is a lifestyle. Worship is a lifestyle of confession, that “I am not God and I do not wish to apply for the job.” (from Intimacy, the Longing of Every Human Heart by Terry Hershey)
It’s so funny because I’ve known the answer for so long and yet I am continually realizing how many areas of my life still need to be surrendered. I don’t wish to go back to where I was years ago…I want what God has for me now. I want to forget those things which are behind, (even the good things) and press on toward the goal of the high calling of God. What is the goal? To know Him! Really…that’s all it is. Just to know Him.
Psalm 27:8 “When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.”