Listen

Who can live in your tent, Lord? Who can dwell on your holy mountain?

The person who lives free of blame, does what is right, and speaks the truth sincerely; who does no damage with their talk, does no harm to a friend, doesn’t insult a neighbor; someone who despises those who act wickedly, but who honors those who honor the Lord; someone who keeps their promise even when it hurts; someone who doesn’t lend money with interest, who won’t accept a bribe against any innocent person.

Whoever does these things will never stumble.

Psalm 15

Think

While working in Yosemite and later while apprenticing on a university’s farm, I lived in a tent cabin. The door shut with a flimsy zipper, and anything could live in my tent — wasps, spiders, even a raccoon “guest” one evening… Luckily no bears or bobcats ever made their way in. I was never alone, and it was a bit of a chaotic circus!

If we look closely in Psalm 15 about who might live in God’s holy tent, it seems far more restrictive. If these were the entrance requirements to visit God, God would be alone. None of us lives free from blame. None of us has never done harm to a friend.

Although we can’t earn a ticket to God’s heavenly tent, luckily, God doesn’t choose to be alone. God continually chooses to be present with humanity in the chaotic circus of our lives. God takes up residence with us, and the door is always open! Being in the presence of God’s grace transforms our living so that doing what’s right, speaking the truth sincerely, or keeping promises even when it hurts becomes possible for us.

Molly Logan

Pray

Gracious and loving God, thank you for choosing to be present in my daily life. Even when I can’t feel your presence, help me to trust that you are always welcoming me to your embrace. Amen.

Go

Lord, you have examined me. You know me. You know when I sit down and when I stand up. Even from far away, you comprehend my plans. You study my traveling and resting. You are thoroughly familiar with all my ways. There isn’t a word on my tongue, Lord, that you don’t already know completely. You surround me—front and back. You put your hand on me.

Psalm 139:1-5

God knows you and loves you.

Receive and live in the reality of that gracious encounter and embrace today.