Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart. —Psalm 24:3–4
We know that those who are in Christ have been declared holy—in right standing with God, positionally. However, as redeemed sinners, we cannot cling to our impatience, gluttony, slothfulness, and moodiness and expect to enjoy intimate fellowship with God any more than a teenager who willfully violates his parents’ instructions can look confidently into their eyes.
We can sing praise choruses loudly enough to be heard in the next county. We can applaud speakers who stir our emotions. We can have mystical spiritual experiences. But none of these will draw us closer to God if we’re ignoring or cherishing sin in our hearts.
“Who among us can dwell with a consuming fire?” the prophet asked. “The one who lives righteously and speaks rightly” (Isa. 33:14–15). “For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds. The upright will see his face” (Psalm 11:7). Intimacy with our holy God is reserved for those who love and choose the path of holiness.
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The Quiet Place: Daily Devotional Readings ©2012 Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Scripture is taken from the CSB.
Make it Personal
Are you enjoying close fellowship with God, or is there a breach between you? Spend time in prayer, asking God to search your heart.