The Chronicler draws particular attention to the fact that David “prepared a place for the ark of God and pitched a tent for it”. Chronicles was written at a time when the rebuilding of the temple was the big issue, so this comment is meant to underline an important point. If we want to dwell in God’s presence, we must create a space for him. The usage of the word ‘place’ in 15:1 implies a designated sacred space. This begs the question: On David’s failed first attempt to bring the ark up to Jerusalem, where was he planning to keep it? In his palace? The space that God wants in our lives is not just any space, he wants a sacred space in our lives. That means that we mustn’t give God the leftovers and just fit him in where it suits us. No, we must orient our lives around a sacred space. We must give God the most important space. Practically this means that we make quality time with God a top priority. We reserve times of prayer and worship, and we commit ourselves to a rhythm of life that makes these times sacred. If you want God to be your God, then give him the only place he will take in your life: the highest and most important place. Make sacred spaces for God in your life and honour God with your priorities.
Commit yourself to a rhythm of life that makes God central.
Read 1 Chronicles 13 and 15.
