SEEKING GOD—THE ASCENT

Today we take another look at the matter of approaching God. Experience often proves the truth of Augustine’s words that human hearts are restless until they find rest in God. As we consider that it is gloriously possible for the redeemed to enjoy this rest in God’s presence, a question rises within as to how man can rise to the holiness of God. Never for one moment can we think that God will lower His standards. Yet it is true that to enjoy God’s presence means an experience that lifts us higher—we enter the holiest of all, Heb. 10. 19-20.

We notice the place in question, “the hill of the Lord … his holy place”, v. 3. The place is holy because of the Person who occupies it. Therefore for those who would enter His presence the road must be upward. He is “the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity”, Isa. 57. 15; cf. 6. 1. It is therefore so necessary to pay attention to reverence as we come into the presence of the Lord.

We notice also the purity demanded in those who would ascend. Undefiled hands, unsoiled heart and sincerity of spirit are the requirements that the psalmist states befits those who draw near to God, v. 4. Self-examination proves to us that, humanly speaking, these qualities do not belong to us. The uncleanness of sin shuts the door on enjoyment of His presence. Thank God today for the reconciling work of the Lord Jesus. In the positive values of the sacrifice of the cross, peace has been made, and now we have our access through Him by one Spirit unto the Father, Eph. 2. 12, 18. Read this lovely scripture again.

So it is that this section ends with a wonderful promise for those who enjoy the privilege of drawing near, “blessing from the Lord”, v. 5. We can almost see the picture in the psalmist’s mind of priestly hands uplifted in blessing, Num. 6. 22-27. We never leave the presence of our Lord without carrying away a sense of the glorious spiritual blessings that are ours in Him. “And righteousness from the God of his salvation”, Psa. 24. 5; here is the basis of peace, that realization that none shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect, Rom. 8. 33-34. How lovely is the consciousness for the believer of acceptance in the Beloved One. Do we avail ourselves of the privilege of the ascent into His holy place?