Shalom!
Today I want to share a quick thought worthy of meditation. Tehillim (Psalm) 16:8 says, “I have set Yahuweh before me always; because He is at my right hand I shall not falter.”
The commentary on this verse really brings it to a new light. Here it is from the Tehillim:
I have set. This verse teaches a fundamental principle of the Torah, and represents one of the qualities of the righteous who stand before Elohim. A person’s conduct in the king’s presence – whether in speech, business, or when attending to his physical needs – differs dramatically from his conduct in the privacy of his home. Certainly, one’s constant awareness that he always stands in the presence of the King of kings will profoundly influence his behavior (Rama, Orach Chaim 1:1 from Rambam).
In Psalm 101:2,3 David says that he walks constantly with innocence in his house and that he does not place before his eyes any worthless thing – waywardness does not cling to me he says….
David was just as concerned about walking with innocence in his own house than he was in the public eye, for it is in the privacy of one’s home that a person acts the way they really are inside. No need to fool anyone in your own home, no pretending to be someone your really not; for no matter where you and I are at – either out in public or within our own house, Yahuweh sees all and knows all. For who a person is at home will eventually be exposed sooner or later. Our behavior in secret will manifest openly at some point or another.
David’s heart was such that when no one else is around to see my “good deeds”, I will still walk blamelessly, for He sees me and knows my inward thoughts and intentions. David cries out in Psalm 139… Search me and know my thoughts oh Elohim – see if there is any wicked way in me! David set the Standard of righteousness before him so that he had a standard to walk by. The Torah of Yahuweh, the words from the mouth of the Creator is that standard and is sweet to the lips. Living by His word in thought, conversation and action is the only way we can stand in the presence of the King of kings.
Meditation upon His word brings about the constant awareness we need in order to ensure our behaviors are pleasing unto Him. Ask yourself today, what have I “set” before my eyes that would keep me from standing in the presence of the Master? What do I spend my time meditating upon, thinking about daily? If my thoughts were immediately turned into actions right now… who in my life would be hurt and devastated the most?
Cling to Him, ask Him to help you align your thoughts with His thoughts. This was the passion of David. Quickness to repent keeps the door open to the throne room of Yahuweh.
What have you “set” before the King today?