Pocket Thoughts - 9/5/26
Consecration is a peculiar concept in our culture. The idea is to prepare and purify oneself in a special way prior to meeting with God. In the Old Testament, this would certainly have included cleansing the body and dressing in appropriate attire, but more importantly, it would involve setting one’s heart and mind on the holiness of God. One would abstain from routine activities and set aside the cares and concerns of everyday life. Heart, soul, mind, and body would be focused on a reverent approach to the Lord. Today, it’s a solemn preparation in response to His call on our lives and His invitation to meet with Him for instruction, empowerment, exhortation, and commissioning. Worshipers under the Law who entered God’s presence flippantly or without following His specific instructions were put to death. Consecration was taken seriously. When Jesus opened the doors of heaven to believing hearts, the faithful were then able to “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). But God has not changed. He’s still worthy of our solemn, considerate, reverent preparation as we meet with Him for prayer, study, and worship. Yes, approach His throne of grace with confidence, but also with humility, thanksgiving, and worship. We live in and by His grace. Let’s not take that for granted.
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Father, in this casual society, I don’t always esteem You as I should. I often treat the time set aside to worship, study the Word, and pray as “optional” when reality is that You and Your Word are the air I breathe. I wear out and wonder why I’m so tired. I respond unkindly and wonder why I was so impatient. I involve myself in useless activities and wonder where the time goes. But You know my heart. My “wonder” is actually me making excuses for misplaced priorities and poor choices, and the consequence is finding myself far from You. Holy Spirit, I’m so prone to wander! Grieve my heart for not holding my holy God in high regard. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation – even as I’m the one who’s walked away from Your grace. Set my eyes on the glory of the Lord, and keep my feet from aimlessly walking where I have no business going. Have mercy, Father. Thank You for loving me so much that You would send Your Son to restore my soul. In the beautiful Name of Jesus, amen.
