Read Psalm 119:57-64 57The Lord is my portion; I promise to keep your words. 58I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. 59When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies; 60I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments. 61Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law. 62At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules. 63I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts. 64The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!
What do you do with all your heart? What is that one thing that you seek after with everything you’ve got? What gets you out of bed in the morning? What drives you forward?
For David it was the favor of God – I entreat your favor with all my heart. The word favor is the Hebrew word panim, face, or presence. So verse 58 could read, I seek your face with all my heart. Or, there’s nothing I want more than to be in your presence. You may recall that being in the presence of God was so important to David that he put the Ark of the Covenant in a small tent in his backyard so that he could be with the Lord anytime he wanted.
In Christ we are the tent of the Lord. We are his holy of holies. His temple. We don’t have to seek the presence of God, it has sought and found us. Has this truth captured your heart? Do you live your life in awareness of the presence of God in your heart? Does every desire (good or bad) remind you that every longing can be satisfied by his love alone?
To live is Christ is to live constantly in the presence of God, face to face with his glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
You: Do you live with an awareness of being in the presence of God?
You in Christ: How does our union with Christ satisfy our deepest longings?
Christ in you: How might the day look different if you lived it while practicing the presence of God?
Prayer. Father, help me to practice awareness of your presence, and love for your presence in my life. Amen.
To Live is Christ 