enter into the sanctuary

Let's be honest.... the sinful world can sometimes seem so much more appealing. As humans, we are easily mesmerized with all successful and prosperous individuals. We are star-struck by beautiful celebrities that seem to have all the benefits of life at their disposal. We hang onto the advice of talk show personalities as if they had a direct channel into all things spiritual. Just by reading and seeing these people, we envy their power, wealth and status. Whether we like it or not - we are attracted to them, irrespective if they follow Jesus.

This is no accident. Satan is, in fact, an expert at deceit. He can make himself (and those that follow him) appear to be extremely beautiful on the surface. This should come as no surprise since Satan has always tried to convince men that he is greater that God Almighty. Satan is not a red leotard dressed child with horns and a pitchfork. No. Satan is more cunning than that, and his main objective is to snare his prey away as they question the glory of a Holy Creator.

David was quite aware of this in Psalm 73. Listen to how he described his take on the appeal of sinful men and their ways...

"For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance."

But read on. David's longing toward the wicked's false sense of fulfillment quickly dissolved away when he moved past their surface appeal and entered into the sanctuary of the King of Kings.... "When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny."

Of course, scripture is clear that Satan's final destiny is doom and damnation. There is nothing fun or fulfilling about that! So here is the real truth... Surface beauty will fade, success will dwindle, and all things on earth will return to dust one day. We must look past the temporary snares of this world and die to our selfishness. We must seek only what is everlasting to find real satisfaction and fulfillment. God is the only One who can bring true beauty, prosperity...and, yes....fun to our lives for all eternity. He offers us freedom from doom and damnation through the grace of Jesus Christ. God loves us so much, He sent Jesus to save us so that we can glorify and enjoy Him forever... but we must be willing to accept Him. We must daily make the choice to seek Him and ask for His strength as we deny our sinful lusts of the flesh.

Let's remember to follow David's example and enter into the sanctuary of the Most High to see the real truth as we live out our days on earth. Let's breathe in our Mighty God and His Glorious Majesty and not be sidetracked by worldly pleasures that do not fulfill. God is our refuge and we are His people. Don't let the world distract you away from His Glory. He is all that matters... FOREVER!

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.... as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds."

Blessings!

~Victoria