Psalm 43:3 O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.

Though the structure is now one that is not made with hands and though there is no geographical specifications, there is yet a need for going there, for seeking out, and being led by the light of truth to an awareness of God’s holy presence. We’ve been seated in heavenly places, true, but this truth is one that has to be followed in relationship. David is calling out to God Himself, not just to a concept and an understanding. Though there is a place secured for us at the side of the Father, darkness can inhibit the view and the ability to experience the joy that is assured there.

It’s amazing how easy it is to be overwhelmed by even a single issue of life, to let its existence somehow cause all of life to loom above the reality of another presence. Jesus has promised to never leave us or forsake us, but the reality of a circumstance, if looked at consistently enough, can appear to be more significant than the Rock of our salvation, that foundation upon which a complete life of fulfillment and peace can be constructed. For some reason, even in the middle of a song of praise, it is easy to shift the gaze from the amazing face of Jesus to the façade of a life encounter that seems too difficult or challenging. Though the very source of eternal life is standing right there knocking, a person who has actually invited Him in before to reside can totally disregard the promise of His presence and sit down, instead, with dark thoughts of depression. Where the Prince of Peace would like to commune and surround with a spirit of hope and gladness, there is a movement made towards the darkness and depression.

The way out of this chasm and this abyss begins with desire for escape that lifts the eye from the trial enough to look for some light and some relief. Every movement made to the Giver of life brings reward of confidence and assurance of His presence. His light is continually shining even in our hearts, but until there is a prayer raised along with a willingness to follow that path to relief, the shroud of discouragement can veil the shining of the greatest light. Oftentimes it is not until there is a discussion and an executive meeting with self that there can be any hope of gladness. When it no longer becomes optional to remain in the dishonorable place of depression, then reality can set in and perspective be raised to clarify the insignificance of the circumstance compared to the great magnitude of God’s abundant grace and provision. We are forever in possession of eternal life, but the path to its blessing will have to be chosen, followed after, and thoroughly enjoyed and savored by our simple pursuit of its light.

Evidence of the enemy’s movements does not have to dominate the awareness of the one who has chosen the place and the altar of God’s love and mercy. The cloud of depression and despair can be left for the choir room of praise where His glory is beheld and transformation displaces darkened misperceptions. Then, at the time when rejoicing is taking place in the congregation, a contribution of light-emitting joy can exist on a face that has had a Holy Ghost makeover, exchanging the ugly sorrow, for the brightness of His glory. There need not ever be other than a beaming smile on the face of the one who is beholding their obtained and secured treasure in Him. Lead by the light to the place of provision in Him, there will be no need to languish in the lie of lack. Only rejoicing and gladness will rise

Psalm 43:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

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)

Psa 27:9  Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

It seems that this may be one of the greatest challenges in relationships- wondering what the other person is thinking. Maybe they’ve acted in a certain way or not at all, prompting an interpretation of those actions or lack thereof. As life has passed by with a few speed bumps along the way, there is reason for wariness and caution because of past betrayals or abandonments. If they are not heard from for a while it might seem that something is wrong and that person has been set off in some manner towards you. Sometimes there may have even been some failure on your own part that has compromised your confidence towards that person- something was said about them, or maybe negative thoughts or attitudes have been harbored. Insecurity has many resources to draw from and often utilizes them well in disrupting otherwise potentially valuable and rewarding relationships.

It’s interesting that this passage from Psalms takes place in the middle of this beautiful exposition of an intimate relationship with a faithful, loving and protecting Father. David was one who had much reason to be insecure with his relationships, having had close friends and confidants turn their backs and betray him. Though obviously inspired by God’s ever-present involvement in his life, the reality of life pokes its head in for a breather in an otherwise uplifting expression. This, however, did reveal just how fragile and vulnerable we are and how even the ‘man after God’s heart’ had moments of wondering.

I had a recent phone conversation with a friend whom I’ve not seen in several years. We had our rewarding and inspiring words as usual, but then at the end we spoke about the infrequency of our interaction. We each expressed that, though there may not be any peeps heard from the other, appreciation, honor and respect had not diminished in the least. In fact, the renewed communication after an extended lapse actually served to instill confidence in our relationship- that though there may be silence for some time, this doesn’t rightfully indicate a loss of respect or value in the other’s heart or mind. All that will ever be needed is a phone call for the voice to be heard and the confirmation and assurance possessed that our friendship has no fractures. 

So, was it necessary for this prayer to go up in order for God to stick around? Was He headed out the door with a need to get away from such an unfavorable person? I believe that this prayer was a necessary one, but it was necessary for the movement of David towards God more than God towards David. In David’s prayer was a passionate fixation on the One that He knew to be his necessity, his hope and his salvation. There may have been a resident insecurity and concern that God would somehow depart and leave him as others had, but in the request for God to not turn away in anger, there was actually a phone call made to a friend who could never be lost to a transgression or failure. By lifting up His voice to God, there was communication renewed and an avenue through which God could speak and impart His heart of love once more.

He has promised to never leave or forsake. For various reasons it may be perceived that He has and we have to go it alone without our Salvation. All it takes, though is that necessary call, the one that will instill and further establish His faithfulness once more.

James 4:7-10
(7)  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
(8)  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
(9)  Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
(10)  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Psalms 27:8 KJV
(8) When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

Psalms 27:14 KJV
(14) Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

The political season in which we find ourselves lends itself strongly to the floating of assurances, promises, and commitments by means of words. Based upon the way the wind is blowing there is a very well thought out presentation of just the right image to please the largest group of people, somehow capturing their hearts and their votes by means of mere words that don’t necessarily have any heart validation. A large amount of searching and digging takes place on the part of the opponent in order to somehow upend the cart of words that have been piled up and discourage anyone from being taken in by their concepts and ideals. Given time, there is also some choice, some acquaintance, or some turn of events that can undermine the credibility of a candidate that had been very popular at one point, leaving them with very low approval ratings and very little heart commitment. I remember the first president I voted for was Jimmy Carter. Not completely aware of his true agendas, I was taken in by his religious strengths, his smile and apparent knowledge and wisdom. He seemed to be ushering in a welcome change after the era of Watergate, and he initially enjoyed great popularity. As events and his decisions began to bring a toll upon the nation, however, hearts were transformed from affectionate favor to disgust and disdain. Hearts that had once been strong towards him were turned away with the passing of time.

Ok, how does this relate? Well, there is something very precious about these passages that has to do with first of all the words that have been spoken by our Father God, and then the words that form the heart’s response. Because this call to seek His face is coming from someone who has never violated a trust or been overwhelmed by circumstances the heart has found, over time, great security and confidence in the proclamations from His mouth. In turn, the words from the heart are not mere religious mumbo jumbo; they are the commitment of a life. As both phrases emerge they exist in a realm far removed from the posturing facades of emotional salesmen. They are not meant to impress, but to bind ever closer a relationship that can only grow nearer and stronger the longer it is pursued. Unlike the surety that a political icon will fail in some way given the time, the opposite is discovered in the heart that has chosen to wait on the Lord. While there is inevitable discouragement and despair with the failures of men over time, waiting only produces strength and encouragement when it takes place in the presence of the King. He will never fail, never run away, never quit, and never disappoint the one who responded with the heart-felt statement “Thy face, LORD, will I seek.”

Hebrews 13:5-6 KJV
(5) … he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
(6) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Deuteronomy 31:8 KJV
(8) And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

This was a completely new concept for her, the thought that someone would actually be there for her even after discovering something in her that was sure to be unacceptable. Not that this wasn’t something she had hoped for all her life, it’s just that time after time, after committing herself in relationships, she had found herself alone, abandoned once again for some undisclosed reason. It would have even been a little more bearable if they would have at least given a reason, something for her to work on in the future, but it was like she hadn’t earned even enough honor from them to get their perceptions of her needed improvements before their departure. She had just been left, time after time, alone and without explanation. How wonderful it would have been to have someone actually stay through her inconsistencies, finding something in her for which to stick around. To wonder then whether God Himself could put up with whatever had driven the others away was certainly natural and would require considerable adjustment. This promise would be her heart’s greatest comfort and her soul’s delight and inspired hope, if only she could learn to embrace it instead of the old dismay and discouragement. He would never take off and leave her even when she herself might feel unacceptable. Because of this she could have great confidence and boldness to press beyond the fear of rejection that had held her back for so long. Though anyone might leave her for whatever reason and at any time, the very God of creation would remain close by her side, ever lifting her up and supporting her through the rest of her life.

Though maybe not to this extreme, there will ever be a need for adjustment and growth in this awareness- that our God goes before us and will never forsake us even in our failures, from the greatest to the smallest. If there is ever a sense of abandonment, this is just a misperception based upon what we’ve experienced in other relationships. God is ever present to encourage and strengthen the one who will but acknowledge His presence. His promise to be near isn’t just a frivolous gesture with no intention of fulfillment. Though this may have been our experience with those we’ve contacted in this world, there is a completely new experience with God that will nurture the confidence and boldness to be victorious in every situation. He is an ever present help in time of trouble (Psalms 46:1) and this presence doesn’t require a completed list of endless contingencies. His love and mercy will cover a multitude of sins and He faithfully stands with open arms – an embrace that will lift and propel us beyond the greatest of difficulties. So what will it matter what anyone might ever say about us, or even fail to say at all on their one way trip out the door, God Himself is right here right now with friendship, counsel, wisdom, understanding, compassion, mercy, forgiveness and motivation that is always ours for the taking in His presence. All He’s needing is an open door Himself to a heart that’s continually saying, ‘yes’.

Psalms 26:8-12 KJV
(8)  LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.
(9)  Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:
(10)  In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.
(11)  But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.
(12)  My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.

It all comes down to where you want to live. It can be where the lights are always on, the water comes out of the tap, everything is clean and well kept, and the temperature is maintained by heat or ac. Or, it can be where the opposite is true or threatening. You might think it’s all about the place and where you’re choosing to live, but the place of habitation really has much more to do with who you choose to hang with. The place just follows. Where the honorable is honored, the dwelling is well, but where the dishonorable is honored, the dwelling will fall or has already fallen.

I’ve never  had the privilege of hanging out at the White House, (although my sister just went there this last week) but I’m sure there is a certain standard that’s required for people to even get through the gate leading up to the house. This may vary somewhat based upon who is occupying the office of the President at the moment, but generally thieves and unruly people with any kind of criminal record or appearance thereof will have a difficult time getting anywhere close. It is an awesome structure in itself, but what has really set it apart from any other structure that might even be larger or more extravagant is the person who occupies it, the President. There has even been a certain aura left be each of the Presidents that have occupied it as they’ve been honored for their office or position. To really hang out there for more than just a paid tour, it will have something to do with your relationship and associations. You may have some acquaintances from a group that engages in sinful or unlawful activities, but in order to go to the White House, it will need to be that you aren’t grouped together with those that would bring dishonor to the one who is the reason for its existence. There will have to be choices made throughout life that will cause you to either be gathered together with the mischievous and dishonest sinners that are prohibited from entering the home of the honored, or qualify you, by your associations, to be a part of a group that is seen as acceptable, safe and worthy.

To abide in the Secret Place of the Most High and to love and appreciate His habitation will first of all require redemption and mercy. No matter how close to perfection we are, it will always fall short of the pure holiness that is required, and we’ll ever be in need of the amazing grace that will qualify. However, for those that would actually live in the place of His presence there will have to be a choice of Him over other associations in life that dishonor the King. Entering His courts will require praise, but it will also demand a departure from living with those that are directly opposed to His nature and His righteousness. Touching the world is one matter, but living there and loving it is another. Where there is greater love for the Honor One, there will be a desire to be there in His congregation, honoring and worshiping Him at the gathering time. Where you’ve chosen to be and to live will always be a significant indicator of who you’ve chosen to honor. To honor and fellowship with Him is to honor and fellowship with those who are also seeking to please Him. His house is a full family house where every member is there because of Him and a choice of Him over any other restricting association.

Psalms 22:1-5 KJV

(1)  <To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David.> My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

(2)  O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.

(3)  But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

(4)  Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.

(5)  They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

Our home has two levels, with the bedrooms on the upper level and the living, dining, and office areas below. There are many times when communication is necessary with one of the kids up in their room, but I’ve found that no level of shouting will produce a response. (of course there’s the temptation to think maybe you’re just being ignored) It can actually be quite frustrating when you’re occupied with something that’s really important- like maybe catching the end of Andy Griffith or a Broncos game- and you get no answer from yelling that threatens to damage your vocal folds. Somehow walls and floor levels are doing their job, creating separation and privacy and the ability for our precious ones to have their own ‘space’. They’re usually occupied with their own focus, which often includes some kind of media with its own volume and visual distraction from the ‘important’ communication they should be heeding. I’ve found that the best way to avoid the frustration on both my part and theirs is to just take the time and effort to climb the stairs, open the door to where they are, ask them to turn down the volume level and speak to them face to face in a normal speaking voice. It’s not that they don’t want or care to hear me, it’s just that there’s so much separation between us that communication is impossible.

I find it interesting that David, the man after God’s own heart, spews forth these expressions of communication frustrations with God. The opening statements of this Psalm would seem to just bring further despair to the heart of one going through a similar time in their relationship with God. -”If David, the giant killer, couldn’t manage to get God’s ear, how in the world will I?” It would seem, though, that maybe David had a similar issue with God as I’ve had with my kids- there were just too many levels, walls and distractions that had risen to separate and disable communication. While further shouting and mental anguish would do nothing to resolve the problem, there was something David began to do that changed everything. Instead of just remaining in his anguished state of discouragement, David got up off the couch and began to mount the stairs to the holy place where God was waiting. His focus began to change from his predicament and pitiful situation to the One who is holy and inhabits the praises of Israel. He began to experience a door opening and distracting volume levels going down and visual distractions becoming dim as He drew close to God in praise and worship. It was true that there had been no apparent response from his Father, but this wasn’t because God wasn’t ready, willing and able to do far above what could be imagined or thought. It was just because too much had disabled communication by way of barriers and diverted focus. To rehearse the problem and the failure would be the same as just staying downstairs, while rehearsing the known goodness and mercy of God was just like walking right up to Him where a face to face talk could take place. David had come to know just how important it was to have God’s ear, and he also learned the power of praise and it’s transforming impact on communication. From a despairing, hopeless failure he could consistently rise to a place of victory and overcoming power as God became big once more and old things were left behind in the other room and His nearness eliminated all distractions.

He’ll hear, He’ll respond, He’ll bless and He’ll restore with the simple effort taken to move from that separation to His holy place of refuge and peace. The frustration doesn’t have to continue and prevail, if we’ll just go up and take our seat at His side in heavenly places by letting praise, adoration and worship occupy our hearts. Right there before Him the smallest whisper will be heard.

Psalms 22:23-24 KJV

(23)  Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.

(24)  For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.

Isaiah 46:12-13 (Amplified)
Listen to Me, you stiff-hearted and you who have lost heart, you who are far from righteousness (from uprightness and right standing with God, and from His righteous deliverance).
I bring near My righteousness [in the deliverance of Israel], it will not be far off; and My salvation shall not tarry. And I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel My glory [yes, give salvation in Zion and My glory to Israel].

Things aren’t always as they would appear. Oftentimes it would seem, according to our own perceptions that things just aren’t right, that wholeness and completed purpose are somewhere far, far away. For the one who chooses to have their vision adjusted by the Holy One, however, there is an assurance and a comfort that, no matter how distant it may appear, His judgment with favor is very near.
There are two types of folks who are affected by the misperception of righteousness’ distance, those who might feel there is nothing legitimate about God and His followers and those who have been following Him with all that is in them, but have lost heart and hope with the overwhelming impact of salvation’s apparent distance. Any delay beyond expectations or hopes has the potential of tearing down faith and undermining the most important relationship of all.
Just around the next corner or over the next small hill a challenge awaits. If there is just another stretch of road or another hidden outcome, there will be reason to give up on the journey altogether and retreat to a more predictable place. Salvation, though, is a journey made by steps of faith that keep pressing towards a mark and never let go of that promise of life. When the prize is the focus, each milestone is but another reason to be encouraged that we’re just that much closer. The very things that are set up as challenges and roadblocks can become evidence that progress has been made. Instead of being discouraged and disappointed by the delay, it can, instead bring perfection to a resolve that has been established in the presence of the Master. When it is He who is taking every step with us, there is an overwhelming assurance that He holds all things in His hands, that His salvation is as near as a prayer. When it is His voice we’re hearing, there will only be encouragement and strength in His words. He will only reaffirm what He has already spoken, and if He said it, you can know it will come to pass. The only way complete salvation will never be known is if we can be convinced to give up and forsake the hope of His promise.
But, there is joy unspeakable, peace beyond understanding, and provision greater than containers oh so near for those who have discovered that all of this is found in Him rather than in circumstances. Just never giving up on wholeness that is right here and right now in Him will have great reward, fulfillment and God’s glory revealed.

Heb 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Isaiah 28:5 KJV
(5)  In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people,

     It wasn’t that they got started off in the wrong direction, and it wasn’t that there was a different promise for some than others. It was just that for certain ones there was an incredible fixation on the leader that made stepping out of the ranks unthinkable. They had been to his tent and were touched by his persona in such a way that he affected all their thoughts and everything they said and did. His glory had adorned their head and they had already begun to reflect and emulate his unsurpassed appearance. Though he had made himself available to the whole group, the ones left standing after the conflict, after the battle- standing next to their victor, were the ones who had stayed close to him through it all. For them, though the dust and smoke would try to claim otherwise, every day was part of a larger ‘day’ of victory.

     I’ve always been fascinated by the ones who actually made it through the battles, those who remained on their feet after seeing so many fall around them. What was it that kept them going and how were they able to remain committed to something that must have appeared to be a lost cause at so many points along the way? Those that survived the concentration camps, invasion beaches, Great Depression, public schools, gang dominated neighborhoods, and home conflicts with victory and apparent retention of their mental faculties have something very special that has carried them through their challenge. Somehow they have been inspired with a vision of success through a leader, a truth or a cause that has kept them on the road through and out of their conflict. For some it doesn’t even appear that they possessed all that great of skills or abilities, they were just carried through to conquer based upon the strength and influence of their leader. As long as they followed his lead and remained under his realm of influence, they would share in the honor and recognition that goes to conquerors. He provided them with the weapons, the plan, and the heart to press through the most trying opposition to be among those still standing.

    This is a day to wear our crown of glory and portray the beauty of our conquering King as we not only make it through, but come out standing with the stance of victory. To attempt this day alone, though, or run away to some isolated place far away from the conflict will only serve to isolate from the vision, motivation and source of strength that is so necessary for an ultimate triumph. A promise to never leave, to be the first one on the field and the last one off (like Mel Gibson’s character in ‘We Were Soldiers’), and to return (like General McArthur’s promise) has been given to each one of us, but when the sun is setting and the day is through, those still standing will only be those who have remained close to our Commander, followed His plan, and allowed Him to live through us. Where His glory has adorned completely from the very top to every part of our being, His image and position will be ours with a knowing that ‘as He is, so are we in this world’ (1John 4:17)

Isaiah 25:9 KJV
(9)  And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Psalms 132:8-9 KJV
(8)  Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.
(9)  Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.

Growing up in the Behrman household there was always a sense of confidence that if something were wrong with anything around the house, Dad was not only more than able to fix it, but he most definitely would make certain it was remedied. It was something that I probably never realized or appreciated all that much then, but now, as a home owner, I look back longingly to that time when living with Dad meant having everything maintained and functioning. Every little drippy faucet and burned out light bulb would not remain in its state of ill repair for long- as long as he was around.

Even in the present day there is an added blessing to each of our homes every time Dad and Mom come to visit me or my siblings. It will not just be a wonderful time sitting around the table or the fireplace talking; Dad will most probably notice that broken board or hole in the sheetrock, and before their visit comes to an end, make it appear that there had never been a problem. Wherever Dad goes there is a mending that’s going to take place. There is a problem that’s going to get solved. Though he and Mom come to just hang out and find fulfillment in seeing their grand kids, they bring with them an attitude that insists on making our home a better place before they’re done.

God has prepared in us this place that is uniquely capable of bringing Him pleasure and rest. He longs for the fellowship that comes from just hanging out with His children and experiencing the joy that was set before Jesus so long ago. Although this is something that you would think He could just claim and occupy on His own, He insists on waiting for our invitation, for our welcome sign and invitation. He doesn’t just barge in the front door without ringing the bell, although He is on the front step continually knocking and desiring to come in.

Once our Father is actually welcomed in to abide in our hearts, though, He does so much more than just pull up a chair and watch Andy Griffith with us. Wherever He goes it isn’t just a presence that leaves things as they were when He arrived. As long as He’s in the house, things are being continually remedied, repaired and restored to their original capability and potential. Where our clothing revealed where we’d been- maybe a bit soiled from the substance of sin and failure, He provides us with the pure and impeccable clothing of righteousness. We’re able to go places we could have never gone in our old duds, and where the air may have been thick with oppression and fear, the atmosphere is transformed to that of joy and peace. When He’s allowed heart entrance our Father brings with Him the ark of His power, the demonstration of His ability to completely renovate the place and give it the protection and provision it needs so very much.

As each day dawns and as our hearts are exposed to and filled with the elements of earth living, there is ever a knocking at the door, even for the seasoned God residence. He is continually dependent upon the welcome  invitation, but given the reception as His presence is our choice, He comes in with an ability to not just notice everything that wrong or broken, but repair, refinish, and make everything right in the home of our heart. Although it is His face we seek and His glory that is our passion, with Him always comes the force of His mending ability and the enabling of our abode to realize our full potential and purpose. Things will never be as they were when He arrived. Those things that may have never even been noticed and as they just grew to be a part of the home’s ‘character’ will be removed leaving this wonderful perfection of His hand’s doing.

I love it when Mom and Dad are able to make it. I know it will be incredible just being with them, but as we’re being so gratified by their faces and words, there will be changes taking place as Dad grabs his tools and gets with it. So, the face of our Father is such a passionate pursuit and just sitting down to eat the bread of His word and drink from His water of life brings fulfillment in itself. There will, though, ever be something else going on in our hearts as the Father’s tools are working their magic and bringing brightness and rightness to the place of His rest.