We Are Reminded

Psalm 24:1-4 NIV

The earth is the Lordʼs, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. 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, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.

Here we are reminded of the reality that everything belongs to the Lord because God created everything from nothing. We are reminded that the Lord is above everything. 

Here we are reminded of the reality that everyone belongs to the Lord because God spoke life into existence. We are reminded that the Lord is above everyone. 

Here we are reminded of the reality that the Lord is almighty - that He rules over all - and sovereign - that He reigns over all.  

Here we are reminded of the reality that we are not worthy to stand in God's presence. We are reminded that our hands are unclean - that we have committed wrong acts with our hands. We are reminded that our hearts are impure - that we have harbored wrong motives in our hearts. 

Here we are reminded of the reality that - on our own - we are unworthy, unclean, impure, broken, lost, and hopeless. 

But then we are invited - by God - to remember His almighty power to purify, to renew, and to restore. 

Psalm 51:10-12, NIV

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

When we are reminded of the reality of our impurity and our brokenness, let us remember God's invitation. When we are reminded of the reality of our impurity and our brokenness, let us remember God's sovereignty. 

Let us be purified.

Let us be renewed.

Let us be restored. 

In the Lord.