In what ways can we prepare our hearts for God's glory to dwell? The Promise in Psalm 85:9 “Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land.” The verse sets a clear order: fear of the Lord → nearness of salvation → dwelling of glory. Preparing the heart means aligning with that order. Why Prepare Our Hearts? • God’s glory is tangible. Israel saw it fill the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34–35) and the temple (1 Kings 8:10–11). • Under the New Covenant, the believer’s heart is the dwelling place (1 Corinthians 6:19). • A prepared heart invites the same real, manifest presence promised in Psalm 85:9. Four Heart Postures for Hosting His Glory 1. Reverent Fear • Awe that trembles at His word (Isaiah 66:2). • Obedience that flows from honor, not obligation. 2. Repentant Humility • Honest confession and turning from sin (1 John 1:9). • Brokenness God will not despise (Psalm 51:17). 3. Persistent Prayer • Ongoing dialogue that keeps channels open (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Intercession for personal and corporate revival (Ephesians 6:18). 4. Pursuit of Holiness • Separation from what defiles (2 Corinthians 6:17). • Active practice of righteousness (1 Peter 1:15–16). Practical Ways to Cultivate These Postures Reverent Fear • Read Scripture daily, pausing to worship every revealed attribute of God. • Speak of Him with honor; refuse careless or flippant talk about holy matters. Repentant Humility • Begin and end each day with a Spirit-guided inventory of thoughts, words, actions. • Make restitution quickly when the Spirit convicts of wrongs done to others. Persistent Prayer • Set fixed times (morning, midday, evening) to seek His face, not merely His gifts. • Keep a journal of petitions and answers, reinforcing awareness of His nearness. Pursuit of Holiness • Identify habits, media, and relationships that dull spiritual appetite; replace them with what stirs love for Christ. • Memorize verses that confront recurring temptations (e.g., Psalm 119:11). Scriptural Reinforcement • 2 Chronicles 7:14 — “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven…” • Isaiah 57:15 — God dwells “with the contrite and lowly of spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly.” • James 4:8 — “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” • John 14:23 — “We will come to him and make Our home with him.” • Ephesians 3:16-17 — Christ dwells in hearts “through faith,” rooted and grounded in love. Evidence That His Glory Is Dwelling • Heightened sensitivity to sin and quicker repentance. • Deep, abiding joy that circumstances cannot shake. • Love for believers and compassion for the lost. • Overflow of thanksgiving and worship in ordinary moments. • Bold witness empowered by the Spirit (Acts 4:31). Living in Continuous Preparation Steward these postures daily. God’s promise stands: His salvation is near to those who fear Him, and His glory can dwell—not merely visit—in hearts, homes, churches, and lands that are prepared for Him. |
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