The Old Testament book of Psalms contains 150 songs, hymns, and prayers. It ushers the reader to a place where the focus is on God alone ... the rest of Scripture is left to present the history of man, our human condition, the plan of salvation, and end-time prophesy.
Psalms guide us into genuine worship, teaching us how to truly praise God. Christians are beckoned to come and meet the Lord of Glory. Psalm 100:1-6 reveals the proper way to 'enter' into His presence ...
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing! Know that the Lord is God! It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him, bless His name! For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.
'Enter His gates' represents the first step in true worship. When you pray, begin the intimate encounter by offering sincere gratitude and praise. You are called to delight yourself in God, to celebrate His Being, to adore Him for Who He is, and to sing of His goodness.
The Father desires to hear joy from every heart that knows His Son. This sets the tone for the rest of your prayer. When you acknowledge the Lord's Sovereignty, Majesty, and Power ... you can see your concerns from His point of view. The Holy Spirit intercedes and every worry and fear is exposed to the light of God's love.
Because of your sin-laden past, you might shy away from approaching God in this manner. The idea of coming before His perfect Holiness may cause you to hesitate.
Do not fear ... it is the righteousness of Christ that He sees.
Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:33-34
We have this invitation ...
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Go ahead, pilgrim ... enter His Gates.
No comments:
Post a Comment