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Daily Recharge
Mal Fletcher
God At The Centre
19 April 2024
Psalm 22:3 (Bible in Basic English): 'But you are holy, O you who are seated among the praises of Israel.'
The Psalmist had a way with words. The Hebrew word that is translated as 'seated' here actually means to settle comfortably into something. Think of yourself sinking into that favourite recliner chair at home. That's how God responds to loving praise. The Japanese have a great understanding of this. Traditionally, the Japanese emperor would be carried through the streets as his adoring people bowed to him. I'm told that one Japanese translation of Psalm 22:3 has it this way: 'When God's people praise him, they build him a throne and he comes to sit in it.' Fantastic! Imagine it: living a life where God is seated, regal and authoritative, in the centre of everything we are and do; where problems don't seem so huge, because his presence so fills every situation and his power overcomes every setback. That kind of life is meant to be normal for Christians. When we commit our lives to Christ, we enthrone God at the crux of our existence. But the reality of his kingship is revealed in our situation only as we learn to worship and praise him; to create a place for him to fill with this presence.
Prayer: Lord, I want my life to worship you today. I want to create a space in my world where you can presence yourself in all your power, so that you fill every corner of my existence.'
© Mal Fletcher 2003-2004
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