The Place Your Glory Dwells

February 17

READ Psalm 26:6–12.

6 I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, LORD,

7 proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds.

8 LORD, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells.

9 Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with those who are bloodthirsty,

10 in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.

11 I lead a blameless life; deliver me and be merciful to me.

12 My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the LORD.

 

THE PLACE YOUR GLORY DWELLS. David loves that God’s glory—his infinitely holy and beautiful presence—dwells in the temple (verse 8). Even more marvelous is the Gospel, which tells us that Jesus is the true temple (John 2:20–21). God’s glory dwells in him (John 1:14) and in all those who unite with him by faith (1 Peter 2:4–5). Those odd people in the next pew? That couple with the whiny baby? Those young people who don’t dress right for church? They should be objects of your love and respect because God’s glory dwells in them. The weight of their glory should “be laid daily on [your] back, a load so heavy only humility can carry it, and the backs of the proud will be broken.”19

 

Prayer: Father, each of my neighbors is made in your image and precious in your sight; each of my brothers and sisters has Christ and his glory in them. How can I ever be cold, irritated, or disdainful toward anyone? Give me enough love to live my life every day as I should. Amen.

 

Keller, Timothy. The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms (p. 48). Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.