Placement
8 I have set Jehovah always before me: Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth; My flesh also shall dwell in safety.
Psalms 16:8-9 (ASV)
What an incredibly powerful thing to do- set the Creator of the Universe in a position of constant awareness at the most-used side, the right side. I love the confidence, boldness and almost arrogance that is used in this statement, that he has placed Jehovah, as if this were something he could actually do with someone so powerful and mighty. Yet, in this simple act of intimacy with his God, there is a strength gained against the tendencies and temptations of the flesh that would otherwise lead it to places of failure and danger. Though Jehovah is really there already and without need of physical placement, until this positioning takes place in the heart of the worshiper, the power of His presence is of no effect. Until He, by the psalmist, is given the place of prominence in his sight, there can be no expectation of security and victory, and the heart is made to be vulnerable to threats of sorrow and depression. For every encounter with danger or uncertainty, however, that has Jehovah placed clearly before and to the strong side, there is an overwhelming sense of gladness and rejoicing in the knowledge that the flesh will not be overcome either by the physical threats of outside attacks or the inner failures of its own weaknesses.
As wonderful is this opportunity and as simple is the application of this principle, the overwhelming tendency is to let other personalities and entities slip in between and gain the focus and recognition above that of Jehovah. All too often there is a frustration and dislodged peace due to the simple lack of Jehovah placement. His faithfulness to impact and transform with life changing righteousness is never failing, but for all His ability to be the key ingredient to a rejoicing and glad life, His placement in our hearts will always be left up to us. Although He has abundance of life and peace just waiting for our move, He will never impose Himself over those other temporary and insignificant elements that we may be continually placing in priority over Him.
So many are waiting for the incredible and the miraculous to somehow flood in to overwhelm with imposing power, but in reality everything that could ever fulfill and satisfy is more than available right here and right now in the simple prominent placement of Jehovah. He sets before us life and death and then compels us to choose life in the choice of His face and His heart above all others. It’s all available right here and right now and will be included in the wake of the heart that is set to seek His face.
8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
Psalms 27:8 (KJV)