Once, I walked along the antique brick paths in a garden park where I spent many happy days with my disabled granddaughter. She has since moved away, yet I return often to meditate on what God’s Word can teach me here.
This time, I reflected on this verse: “Exalt the Lord our God; Worship at His footstool; Holy is He”—a well-underlined verse in my Bible. This verse has always mystified me because of what I perceive as three disconnected parts: exalt God, worship God at His footstool, and recognize His holiness. Perhaps I’m not the only one looking to understand better how these phrases connect.
Many commentators ascribe this psalm to David, who appeals to us to mention everywhere that God’s name be exalted and worshipped. I began to understand what it is to connect these thoughts to the mystery of God’s footstool.
In the Old Testament, the ark was placed in the Temple, where God’s presence dwelled. Worshipping at God’s footstool was a way to acknowledge His holiness. W. A. VanGemeren[1] said, “The object of exalting and worshipping at His footstool is to respond to His Holy Presence.”
Once again, I was humbled by knowing that God’s Word is truth. It contains no mystery, and God directs me not to “lean on my own understanding but in all my ways acknowledge Him.”
Pay attention to how God prompts you to respond to His holy presence as you worship at His footstool.
[1]https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-99
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and doungtepro.)
Nancy Bjorklund lives on the Great Plains of Nebraska with her husband, Bob. She is a grandmother, great grandmother, adjunct college professor of communication, published devotional writer, and a writer of women’s Bible studies--including to missionary women serving in the Amazon jungle, women in her church and community, and a Brazilian church women's Bible study group. She is a classically trained pianist and teacher. She encourages women in all seasons of life to draw nearer to Jesus through prayer and encouragement.