I forget this sometimes— and I forget that the recognition of God is not meant to be just an individualistic thing. I forget sometimes that an entire generation is supposed to seek after the Lord— that an entire generation is supposed to have innocent (or forgiven?) hands and innocent (or forgiven?) hearts— that an entire generation is supposed to focus on the Lord only. I forget this sometimes— and I forget that I am a part of something larger than myself:
Psalm 24
The earth is the Lord's,
and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
for he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters.
Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false.
He will receive blessing from the Lord
and vindication from God his Savior.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
Lift up your heads, O you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty-
he is the King of glory.
NIV