LONGING FOR GOD'S PRESENCE

Psalm 132 is one of the ascent psalms. It is about King David, and it has three parts: David longed for God's house, God's calling of David to be king of Israel, and God's plan for the city of Jerusalem. Today, we will discuss the first part of this Psalm. When David became the King of Israel, the Ark of the Covenant, where God's presence dwelt, was located in Abinadab's house in the town of Kiriath-jearim. The Ark had been in Abinadab's house for 20 years (1 Samuel 7:2). Since King David loved the presence of God, He moved the Ark of the Covenant next to his palace in the city of Jerusalem and made a plan to build a temple for the Ark of the Covenant; However, under God's direction, David made the plan, and his son Solomon built the Temple. Psalm 132:1-5 says, "Lord, remember David and all that he suffered. He made a solemn promise to the Lord. He vowed to the Mighty One of Israel, 'I will not go home; I will not let myself rest. I will not let my eyes sleep nor close my eyelids in slumber until I find a place to build a house for the Lord, a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Israel.'"

Although David committed horrible sin and made bad decisions in his life, he always loved God. One thing about David is that he has a soft heart before God. When God rebuked him because he took advantage of Bathsheba and murdered her husband, he accepted God's discipline in His life. He repented and asked God to give him a pure heart once again (Psalm 51:10-12). For David, God is not only His deliverer and sustainer, but God is the one he worshipped with his life. Many people only want God's blessings, protection, and provision, but they do not have the heart to worship God. These are the people who, when their lives are doing well, forget God. They do not take God seriously. However, when they face big problems, they begin to seek God's blessings, protection, and provision. Our relationship with God should be consistent; whether we are doing well or not, we are constantly seeking after Him. Our love for Him is not based on what He does for us, but rather on the loving relationship we share with Him. When David repented of his sins, he never looked back on his sinful lifestyle. He served and worshipped God until he died of old age. 

Let us ask God to create in us a clean heart and renew our spirit within us to worship and love Him. When we love God's presence, prayer and reading our Bible are not a burden for us, but a delight. Listening to Christian music and Bible teaching on the radio or online is a pleasure for us. May we love God for who He is, and not for His blessings, protection, and provision.

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) How is my relationship with God today? Am I struggling to spend time with Him in prayer and reading of His Word? What should I pray when I feel my relationship with God becoming distant?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Father in Heaven, please cleanse my heart and give me a love for your presence. Please give me a deep desire within me to pray and read your Word. Please renew me spiritually. Do not let the things and ways of this world lead me away from you. Please help me to stay in your presence, for you are my God whom I love and cherish. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.