LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Thursday 4th November 2021
ACCEPTED IN GOD’S PRESENCE
Scripture Reading: Psalm 5
But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple. Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; Make Your way straight before my face. Psalm 5:7-8
In verses 4 and 5 David spoke about those could not stand in God’s presence. Now, he speaks about entering God’s presence.
1. David’s confidence before God. If workers of iniquity could not enter God’s presence why did David think he could enter God’s presence? David recognized that he could not go into God’s presence because his own good deeds. He could only go before the Lord because of the Lord’s mercies.
David trusted in God’s mercies to make him acceptable in the presence of the Lord. Because of God’s abundant mercy, David dared to enter into the very presence of the Lord in the temple, while the arrogant evildoers could not even hope for a passing visit with God.
2. David’s prayer for guidance. Because of the many enemies around him, David sought for God’s leading. He desired to be led in ways made straight by a merciful God. While the wicked could not stand before the Lord, David looked up to the Lord to hold his hands and order his steps.
Like David, we can also enter the presence of the Lord because of His mercies. The Lord Jesus has opened a way for us through His death and resurrection. Without Christ, we are like the wicked who cannot stand before the Lord. With Christ, we are accepted in God’s presence.
In addition to accepting us into His presence, the Lord also leads and guides us. He is the one who holds our hands and orders our steps. We are guided by the Lord when we read His word and are sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, your mercy has drawn me into your presence. Hold my hands, order my steps and lead me in your righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.