A Place Where Travelers May Live…Forever

Psa 15:1  A Psalm of David. “LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?”

Surely by now you know that you are a traveler in this life? And, you must also know that travelling takes it toll. Whether it be by planes, trains, or automobiles – travelling exacts its hefty fare from those who spend their time going to and fro for this or that.

All along the roadway there are opportunities aplenty for us to make the right or wrong choice; there are potholes and pitfalls, inclines and rock slides, tight turns and narrow margins – each demanding something of us at every step along the way.

The Psalmist asked, “O LORD, who may stay in your tent (tabernacle)?” The image here is describing a traveler who turns aside from the road to seek hospitality; like at a roadside rest stop. “Lord, who may rest in Your presence?” And then he asks further, “Who may live on Your holy mountain?” This word has a sense of more permanence with it. Rather than just stopping for a short visit in the presence of the Lord, we now have the invitation to live in His presence all the time.

In the remaining verses of this Psalm, the Lord answers the Psalmist’s question, and He shows what He is looking for in the lives of those He welcomes into His Presence.

There are Five Qualities listed:

Personal Integrity: “He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.”

Relational Faithfulness: “He that backbiteth (slander) not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.”

Moral Strength: “In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD.”

Sacrificial Dedication: “He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.” The one who makes a promise and does not break it, even though he is hurt by it.

Financial Honesty: “He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent.” The one who does not collect interest on a loan or take a bribe against an innocent person.

Take some honest and reflective time today and assess where you measure up in these five areas. It may mean the difference between faking it – or making it in your journey through this world.

Travel well my fellow pilgrim! And may you find that Place where Travelers may live forever, in the Presence of the Lord!

“Lord Jesus, please help me to also, according to Your requirements, dwell on Your holy hill. Amen.”