The earth is the Lord’s, 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. They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob. Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty— he is the King of glory.

I tried to narrow this chapter down to just a few verses, but I couldn’t — it’s all so good and flows together so well.

Now imagine you lived near a castle. A lord owns the castle but has appointed others to manage its upkeep and watch over it. From time to time, the lord and his warriors would leave to hunt for food and survey the land, guarding it from any invaders. You were given strict instructions: shut the gates and only open them for the lord or his trusted men.

One day, some strangers arrived. They seemed harmless and claimed to be friends of the lord. Someone believed them and raised the gate head to let them in. But they turned out to be enemies — they tortured, abused, and stole from the people inside.

So the next time strangers came without the lord himself, the gate head stayed closed. But when the lord returned with his warriors, the gate was raised high in welcome!

This passage calls us to recognize the power of the Lord — He is the Creator and Sustainer of all life. It challenges us to live blamelessly and purely, to seek after God rather than the fleeting things of this world, and to be ready — hearts wide open — for the King of Glory to come in. We are not meant to hold anything back. We are called to welcome him with love, affection, and a deep sense of surrender.

Am I ready for the King of Glory to enter my heart today?

Lord, thank you for your truth that fills me up each day. I roll up the doors of my heart — I lift the gate heads — and invite you in. I hold nothing back. I welcome your purity, your truth, and your love!