1 The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it;
2 for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully.
5 They will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of their salvation.
6 Such is the company of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah
2 for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully.
5 They will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of their salvation.
6 Such is the company of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.Selah
8 Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.Selah
I'm sure that most if not all of us have, at one time or another, sought after what we thought was ultimately valuable - and failed miserably. The next rank on the corporate ladder, the newest car, clothes, gadgets, etc. The psalm reminds me that all things - the earth itself is the Lord's. He created all things. He owns all things.
Oftentimes, the world subtly lulls me into the trap of seeking after the creation, rather than the creator who has the power to grant me all things - if it is His will. The creator who has only the best intentions for me and knows what is best. The psalm reminds me to seek Him - the King of glory. To purify my heart and hands and my will that I may see Him. Sadly, on my own I have no power to "clean" my hands and "purify" my heart.
But praise God! For out of His great love for me, He sent His own son Jesus to pay the price of my sins on the cross. To cleanse my heart and hands with His precious blood - once and for all.
In the end, what is ultimately more valuable than wealth, power, or fame is being righteous and blameless before the God of the universe. Having the assurance that when this temporary earth and all that is in it fades into obscurity and oblivion, I have what is ultimately valuable and eternal - the promise of salvation and eternity spent with the One who loved me first and loved me most. Jesus.