READ: Psalms 132-135
Psalm 132 describes to us the history of David’s passion for building a
temple for the Lord. He loves the Lord so dearly, yet realizes there is no
place for Him. He promised God He wouldn’t sleep or rest until a place was
found for the Lord to dwell. It was the Lord, we know from other Scripture
passages, who took that passionate desire of David’s and answered it. It was
not David in the end who built the temple, but it was his own son. David spent
much of his life amassing resources for the building of the temple. This passionate
vow to do everything in his power to give the Lord a dwelling place was not
just a stream of empty words, but passionate action. David meant what he said:
He would make the Lord a home in his realm.
Psalm 133 is about relationships. Very specifically, it speaks about the
beauty and joy received from friendships (even with families) that are free
from strife and disunity. Those of us who have experienced relationships with
unity understand how deeply this truth runs. Those of us who have rarely if
ever experienced relationships without discord long for exactly this. Unity.
Joy. Intimacy. According to this psalm it is like a blessing of anointing, or
the refreshing dew that falls on the mountains. Relationships with this kind of
unity are truly a blessing from the Lord.
Psalm 135 is a history-telling of the many things God has done. The
psalmists never tire of reciting the testimony of God. He has done so much for
His people, it must be told and retold. Every time the story is retold the
glory of God is revealed again. His might and power are praised and God is
revered. These moments of celebrated history become the stepping stones toward
faith for those who were not there to experience it, and give hope and courage
to those who are losing faith. As with every retelling, the difference between
the One True God and those made of wood and stone, clay and iron, are stark and
real. Even the stories of old are reason enough to give God the glory and bless
Him today.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1.
Reflect on your lifestyle or habit of spending time
with the Lord. Do you fight for that time like David fought for a temple for
God? Ask the Lord to speak to you about how tenacious you are about reserving
time for Him each day. Ask Him to give you a passion to see Him dwell with you,
walk with you all day long, like David had. Ask Him to grow what already exists
into an even more desperate passion than it is today.
2.
Ask the Lord to reveal to you if there are any
relationships you are in right now that are not experiencing unity. If there is
even a speck of disunity or discord, ask the Lord to speak directly to you
about your part in that. Ask Him if there are any steps you need to take
towards repentance or forgiveness. Make a commitment to do that as soon as
possible. Pray blessing for the names God gives you. If the Lord declares you
free and clear, thank Him for His powerful blessing of unified relationships.
3.
Take a few moments to write out in your journal a
list of things the Lord has done in your life, even if you have done this
before. Thank Him again, and again, for all He has done.
