‘I would rather be a doorkeeper and stand at the threshold in the house of my God than to dwell (at ease) in the tents of wickedness’ Psalm 84:10b (Amplified)
According to local parlance, there are always two GMs in an organisation – the Gate Man and the General Manager. The former mans the gate and occupies a rather lowly position in the company. The latter on the other hand, belongs to the top echelon of management and calls the shots.
King David was a rich man, no doubt. And he must have understood what it means to be in charge of great wealth. However, in his early life, he was a lowly shepherd tending lambs. He had experienced both spectra and he knew what felt good and what did not.
Surprisingly, he would prefer to be a gateman in God’s house than rub shoulders with ‘great’ people in the tents of the wicked!
A question then comes to mind: why would he choose a lowly place, without shine or significance? The answer lies in David’s urge to worship. He was a master worshiper. It didn’t matter the position he occupied, he just wanted to be in God’s presence! He knew all things were his in God’s presence (Psalm 84:11)
What is your attitude today? Are you willing to serve God with or without luxury? Or would you rather be in the world enjoying its cares and pleasures? Would you rather gain the whole world and lose your soul? (Mark 8:36)
Where would you rather be? In the Presence of God where there is so much covering and perpetual pleasures (Psalms16:16; 36:8) or in the tents of the wicked where you can be master of revellings and pleasures that are transient and also harmful?
Pleasant are Thy courts above
In the land of light and love;
Pleasant are Thy courts below
In this land of sin and woe.
O! My spirit longs and faints
For the converse of Thy saints
For the brightness of Thy face,
For Thy fullness, God of grace!
(Charles Wesley)
Prayer:
Faithful Father, I long for Your presence always! Make me upright and give me the zeal to worship You in truth and in spirit in Jesus’ mighty Name.
Today’s devotional was written by Olusola Oludayo (@sholape1)