Searching for the Ark

SCRIPTURE 2 Chronicles 6:7-10

7 "My father David had it in his heart to build a temple for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. 8 But the LORD said to my father David, 'Because it was in your heart to build a temple for my Name, you did well to have this in your heart. 9 Nevertheless, you are not the one to build the temple, but your son, who is your own flesh and blood—he is the one who will build the temple for my Name.'
10 "The LORD has kept the promise he made. I have succeeded David my father and now I sit on the throne of Israel, just as the LORD promised, and I have built the temple for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. 11 There I have placed the ark, in which is the covenant of the LORD that he made with the people of Israel."

OBSERVATION
The Lord always keeps his promises! God explained to David that he would always have his presence with him. God has given us a promise in Hebrews 13:5 that he would never leave us or forsake us. That promise gives me peace and confidence knowing that whatever I do he still will love me and accept me. God wants to dwell in hearts. He does not want to live in an ark ( box that held his Spirit). Archaeologists study artifacts of the near and distant past to develop a picture of how people lived in earlier cultures and societies. In the first Indiana Jones movie, Mr. Jones searched for the Ark of the Covenant. His goal was to find the box that not only carried the Ten Commandments but also God's presence. Today we can find God's presence if we seek after him. God is no longer in a box but he wants to live in our heart. Psalms 119:11 states that if we hide his word (commandments) in our heart we will not sin against him. The incredible thing is you can not separate the two. Where ever God's word is you will find his presence.


APPLICATION
I believe that everyday we should be searching for you. I know you have showed yourself to me, as soon as I pick up the Bible and start to read your word I can sense your Spirit. I can hear what you are wanting to say to me. Thank you for not being far from me. I do not have to go looking in a cave or try to dig up some artifact to feel your presence. I can start every morning with coming into your presence with praise and worship.

PRAYER
Lord I pray that you will show yourself to me today. I want to be like David who was a man after your own heart. I want to be like Solomon he built a temple and worshiped you. In 1 Cor. 3:16 You have said that we are the Temple of your Holy Spirit. I pray that you will help me to live my life with honor and respect knowing that your Spirit resides within me. Teach me to honor your covenant and follow your commandments so that you will be honored through my life. I am so glad that you have given me your promises. Forgive me for not always measuring up to your word. I thank you for your promise that you will never to leave me.