God's presence

Isaiah 66:1-2
This is what the LORD says:
“Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
Where is the house you will build for me?
Where will my resting place be?
Has not my hand made all these things,
and so they came into being?”
declares the LORD.

“These are the ones I look on with favor:
those who are humble and contrite in spirit,
and who tremble at my word.

As wondrous as are the heavens and the earth, as glorious as are Zion and the Temple, the Lord has chosen to let His favor and His presence rest upon people... those who are humble and broken in spirit (Mt. 5:3-10).

I can still remember thinking this exact thought as I prayed beneath the shadow of the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Thousands of Jews make their way to this wall each day to draw close to the presence of the Lord which they believe still resides beneath the Temple mount where once stood the Holy of Holies. How sad it was to see God's chosen nation strive toward a stone rather than soften their heart of stone and allow His Messiah to enter their lives. Their prayers were stuffed inside the cracks of the stone rather than whispered in their hearts to a God who's promise is to dwell within His people.

Father, thank you for your indwelling and the promise of your Spirit. Keep me humble, obedient and broken so that I might continue in your ways and honor You. Amen.