THE VIEWPOINT OF THE SANCTUARY

But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all Your works. (Psalm 73:28 NKJV)

The good Asaph was greatly troubled about the prosperity of the wicked of his time. He refrained from speaking to others on the matter, lest it should impair their religious life; but the iron went deep into his soul! Here were people, who seemed always at ease, though they set their mouths against the heavens, while he, though he cleansed his heart, and washed his hands in innocence, was plagued all day long. It was in a very perturbed and distressed condition of mind, therefore, that he went one day into the sanctuary of God. It was there that God spoke to him and unveiled the future, and showed the glorious contrast between the wicked and him, when time had given place to eternity, and heaven had corrected the uneven balances of earth.

Each of us has, or should have, a sanctuary, the house of God, or it may be a quiet room, or some sacred spot in the woods or garden or beside the sea. Greatly is the soul to be pitied that has no sanctuary, where it can be sheltered from the rush and noise of life. Like Abraham, we need to have some place where we can stand before the Lord (Genesis 18: 22-23).

Let us remember the injunction to build according to the sanctuary pattern. We must not drift aimlessly through life, at the mercy of every current and every gust of wind; nor must we be content to be our own pattern makers, or mere copyists. Before we enter upon some change or fresh objective in our life, let us ascend into the sanctuary of God's mountains, and get to know His mind and will. Be sure that He has a plan and program for each of us, extending even to the cords and tassels of our life; and if we are true to the leadings of His Spirit, we shall be led out and on to things that eye hath not seen, nor heart conceived.

Frances Ridley Havergal writes: "I am struck with the possibilities of the Christian life! In my own case, what once were far-off possibilities are now actualities; while a new horizon opens before me of possibilities, which also in God's time shall become actualities."

Forget the past! Your failures and sins; the fading laurels of past successes; the bitter memories of abortive efforts. Leave them with God! Let the dead bury their dead! Work out your life plan knowing that God is able and willing to make the necessary grace abound toward you.

PRAYER

Grant unto me, heavenly Father, the blessedness of having and being a sanctuary to myself and to others in need. Show me Your divine plan and then give me the knowledge and desire to fulfill it.  In Christ name I pray, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #62:
The grass will dry up and flowers will fail but My Word will endure forever.

1 Peter 1:24-25 (WEB)
24 For, “All flesh is like grass, and all of man’s glory like the flower in the grass.
The grass withers, and its flower falls; 25 but the Lord’s word endures forever.”
This is the word of Good News which was preached to you.