One of the reasons some husbands stay in the office after work is the fear of what awaits them when they get home!They would rather stay back than go home to partake in another round of fight or hear a barrage of complaints.
Conversely,I want you to imagine a family that is peaceful:The husband had been away for a business trip for three days.On the day of his arrival,the wife had quickly left office to clean the house and prepare her husband’s delicacy.When she arrived home,the house had been littered because the children had gotten home before her.She painstakingly cleaned the house and went into her kitchen to prepare the meal.One hour later,she called her husband on phone:
Mrs B: Dear,the house is set to receive you and a special delicacy awaits you on the dinning table.
Mr B: Really? That is good to hear.I am dashing home straight from the airport now.I can’t wait to see you!
Mrs B: Yeah…The preparation for your coming is over…All is set now.Come home quick my love.I have nothing to complain about.I have no petition to present to you.
Mr B: Guess what?I am on my way with many gifts for you.
Mrs B: And your delicacy awaits you too!
“Praise awaits You, O God, in Zion; to You our vows will be fulfilled”-Psalm 65:1
While the Psalmist can be likened to Mrs B,God is like Mr B above.
Earlier on,the Psalmist exclaimed in Psalm 42:1-2
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”
David had a strong desire to meet with God.He therefore went into a rigorous preparation in Jerusalem (Zion) because the Temple had not yet been built by then.After the hearts of the worshippers were set to receive God,David declared:
“Praise waits for you, O God, in Zion: and unto you shall the vow be performed”
In other words,the tables are set,the floor is mopped,the house is made clean.The noise that goes with the preparation has been hushed.All anxieties and strivings have ceased and there is quietness in the house:
“Come into my soul and eat your delicacy,which is praise…I don’t have any complaints or petitions!I don’t have any scores to settle with you.Just come into my heart and accept my sacrifice of praise!”
“But you are holy, O you that inhabit the praises of Israel”-Psalm 22:3
“You are holy; you sit as king receiving the praises of Israel”-Psalm 22:3(NHEB)
“Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name”-Heb 13:15
For as long as you open the door for Him when He arrives,He will dine with you:
‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me’-Rev 3:20
As God accepts your sacrifice of praise,He gives you His goodness,mercy and favour in return.
However,are you prepared to meet with God?Is your heart ready for His visit?
If it is not,go ahead and make straight your path for His coming:
“Clear the way for the LORD’s coming!”-John 1:23b
Afterwards,call and invite Him into your soul.Like the Psalmist,tell Him:
“Praise waits for you,O God, in my heart!”
To be continued on Saturday…