5 Days of Devotion
Day Four – Thursday
Psalm 73
17 Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. 18 Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. 19 In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors. 20 When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning. 21 Then I realised that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. 22 I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.
Then I went into your sanctuary. In His sanctuary you will find answers. In His sanctuary you find that your focus changes to Him and Him alone. The wicked will see their own end. The wicked will be destroyed in their sin. You and I have no need to concern ourselves with their outcome. When we go into His sanctuary we connect with the JOY that fills His presence.
Our lives are not to based on other people’s experiences. We are not to be deceived into thinking that the riches we see in others is the way God will prosper us. Of course, we can learn principles that other people do but when you actually start looking closely into success we can easily find the same thoughts in the Bible. God’s ideas work. He is a good God and you can connect with everything He has said in His Word. His Word is full of ideas, concepts and insights that will propel you to the next level of life.
When you realise, like the Psalmist, that your heart is bitter and torn up inside, jealous looking at your friends, family or even the wicked as they prosper and your path seems difficult know this…
“Then I went into your sanctuary.”
Church is way more important then many people know. It is THE house of Joy. It is THE place, where safety reigns supreme. Love flows and peace comforts. The body of Christ, meeting together, provides a real sanctuary for the lost, the weak and the confused. There is a presence that flows when Christians stand together and worship. Too many times we make church about feelings and opinions but when you place all of your thoughts and concerns at the door you can enter into a special place. Church is important but it also so special.
Today, decide to put any bitterness, envy or jealousy at the feet of Jesus. Put it all the cross and walk back into His presence without guilt, pressure or deceit. Renew your relationship today and get ready to experience the fulness of joy that He provides. Let God do a new and fresh work in your heart. Let revival fire be regenerated. Let the bubble of anticipation pop back into you. Let dreams rise again. Bitterness cuts off, it chokes out what Word you have. Envy takes your eyes away from Jesus. The riches of this world will never satisfy but the treasures of heaven are complete and fulfilling!
You are a champion. You posses victory. You are blessed. You are filled with love. Joy overflows your heart as you praise and worship Him. You enter into His sanctuary!
Live the life of FULNESS that God has provided you (Hint: It is better than you can dream)!