August 25, 2025 • 9 mins
Title: Psalm 24: The Powerful King of Glory Who Brings Renewal
Short Description
Psalm 24 reminds us that the earth belongs to the Lord, that He desires clean hands and pure hearts, and that He reigns as the victorious King of Glory. In this episode, discover how this psalm speaks to your emotional, relational, and spiritual struggles, offering hope, guidance, and renewal as you open your life to God’s presence.
Episode Highlights
- God owns all creation and sustains every life (Psalm 24:1–2).
- We are called to live with clean hands and pure hearts, both outwardly and inwardly (Psalm 24:3–6).
- True holiness flows from God’s grace through Christ, not from religious performance.
- Healing involves both inward transformation and outward integrity.
- The psalm culminates with the victorious entrance of the King of Glory (Psalm 24:7–10).
- Jesus fulfills this psalm as the true King who triumphed over sin and death.
- We are invited to welcome Christ’s reign daily into our relationships, struggles, and decisions.
Resources and Next Steps
- Join the free Navigator Level of the Lessons for Life Community: https://jameslongjr.org/community
- Explore full membership and coaching options: https://jameslongjr.org/signupnow
- Download devotionals, attend live meetups, and access biblical life training to grow emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.
ABOUT JAMES and LESSONS FOR LIFE
Are you seeking hope, wisdom, and practical solutions to life’s challenges? Dr. James Long, Jr., pastor, counselor, and professor with over 30 years of experience, helps people discover God’s solutions to emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges. Each episode of Lessons for Life points you to the peace and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
Resources and Next Steps
- Join the free Navigator Level of the Lessons for Life Community: https://jameslongjr.org/community
- Explore full membership and coaching options: https://jameslongjr.org/signupnow
Listen and Subscribe: Find Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr., wherever you listen to podcasts
Connect
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Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello everyone, it's James Long Jr, and do me a favor
and grab your Bible and ajournal and let's turn to Psalm
24.
Psalm 24 calls us to lift ourheads and open our hearts to the
King of Glory.
This psalm not only declaresGod's sovereign rule over all
creation, but also invites usinto his presence with clean
hands and pure hearts.
(00:21):
It is a rich source of hope anddirection for those seeking
emotional, relational, mentaland spiritual renewal.
Psalm 24 is a victory hymn, aprocessional psalm, likely sung
by God's people as they approachthe temple after a great
deliverance.
It begins with affirming thateverything belongs to the Lord
(00:41):
because he made it, and then aliturgical dialogue at the
temple gate.
The question is raised who mayascend the hill of the Lord?
The answer is clear those whohave clean hands and pure hearts
, who seek God above all else.
Finally, the psalm crescendoswith the triumphant entrance of
the King of Glory.
(01:01):
For Christians, this psalm notonly recalls the Ark of the
Covenant entering Jerusalem, butit also points us to Palm
Sunday, when Christ, the trueKing of Glory, entered the city
to secure our salvation.
It speaks today as well,calling us to examine our hearts
, live in holiness and joyfullywelcome the Lord's reign over
(01:22):
every part of our lives.
Joyfully welcome.
The Lord's reign over everypart of our lives.
The first section is thesovereign Lord of all.
Psalm, chapter 24, verses 1through 2.
The psalm begins with asweeping declaration that earth
is the Lord's and the fullnessthereof, the world and all those
who dwell therein.
God's ownership extends toevery place and every person.
(01:44):
This is not poetic exaggeration, it's a theological fact.
He founded the earth upon theseas and established it upon the
rivers, showing his supremacyover forces that the ancient
people viewed as chaotic ordivine.
This truth steadies us in timesof uncertainty, when the
pressures of life feeloverwhelming, when conflict
(02:05):
threatens your relationships,when mental strain weighs
heavily, when emotions run high.
Remember that you belong to theone who rules over all.
You're not adrift in chaos.
The King of Glory holds yourlife in his hands.
The heart God welcomes.
Psalm, chapter 24, verses 3through 6.
(02:26):
The psalm shifts to a searchingquestion who shall ascend the
hill of the Lord and who shallstand in his holy place?
The answer pierces to the hearthe who has clean hands and a
pure heart, who does not lift uphis soul to what is false and
does not swear deceitfully.
Now.
Clean hands speak of theoutward actions how we treat
(02:47):
others, how we conduct ourselvesat work, in our family and in
our community.
Pure hearts speak to the innermotives, our thoughts, desires
and our loyalties.
God desires integrity insideand out.
He is not fooled by religiousperformance if the heart remains
unyielded.
For Israelites, this standardunderscored their need for God's
(03:09):
cleansing through sacrifice Forus.
It reminds us that, apart fromChrist, none of us could stand.
But because Jesus entered theholy place for us, his
righteousness is counted as oursby his spirit.
He begins to make our handsclean and our hearts pure in
real, daily ways In counseling.
(03:30):
This passage is a reminder thathealing is both inward and
outward.
A person battling shame mayneed to receive God's
forgiveness at a heart level.
Someone struggling withbitterness may need to act on
the forgiveness towards others.
Someone struggling withbitterness may need to act on
the forgiveness towards others.
God's blessing, his favor andvindication flow to those who
seek him sincerely, humbly anddependently.
(03:53):
The Triumph of the King, psalm24, verses 7-10.
The psalm closes with amajestic call Lift up your heads
, o gates, and be lifted up, oancient doors, that the King of
glory may come in.
This is more than poeticimagery.
It's the original setting andit's likely describing the
temple gates being opened widefor the Ark to enter,
(04:15):
symbolizing God's victoriouspresence among his people.
Spiritually, it is a picture ofthrowing wide the doors of our
lives to the Lord's reign.
Twice the question is asked whois the king of glory?
And twice comes the answer theLord strong and mighty.
The Lord mighty in battle, theLord of hosts, he is the king of
(04:38):
glory.
This is the God who conquerssin, fear and every force that
opposes his people.
In the Gospels, this scenefinds its fulfillment when Jesus
enters Jerusalem, not as awarrior with chariots, but as a
humble king who would win agreater battle over sin and
death.
Today he still comes to thosewho will welcome him, not into a
(04:59):
city, but into hearts and homes.
Now let's look at the doctrinaltruths to remember.
First, god owns everythingbecause he created everything.
We see that in verses 1 and 2,but we also see that in
Colossians, chapter 1, verse 16.
Second, holiness matters.
God desires clean hands andpure hearts.
(05:21):
We saw that in verse 4 here,but also you can see that in
Matthew, chapter 5, verse 8.
Third, god blesses those whoseek him with favor and
vindication.
We saw that in verses 5 and 6here, but you can also pick that
up in Hebrews, chapter 11,verse 6.
Next, christ is the true kingof glory who entered Jerusalem
(05:44):
to secure our salvation.
We saw that in verses 7 through10 here, but you can also see
that in John, chapter 12, verses12 through 15.
And then, finally, we must openour lives to his reign, daily,
welcoming his presence in everyarea.
We'll see that in Revelation,chapter 3, verse 20.
Now let's take all of thatdoctrine and let's make it
(06:06):
practical, practical theology,living out this psalm.
The first thing we need to seeis that begin each day by
affirming God's ownership ofyour life and everything in it.
Second, invite the Holy Spiritto search your hearts for hidden
idols or deceit, and confesswhat he reveals.
Third, practice integrity inspeech and action, even when it
(06:29):
costs you.
Fourth, intentionally lift yourheads when discouraged,
remembering God's past victoriesin your life.
And then, finally, consciouslywelcome Christ's presence in
your home, work andrelationships.
Now let's reflect and respond.
Number one what areas of yourlife are hardest to surrender to
(06:51):
God's ownership?
Number two how does rememberingthat the earth is the Lord's
change your view of dailychallenges?
Number three what might cleanhands and a pure heart look like
in your current season.
4.
How can you guard your heartagainst false idols, things or
(07:14):
people you might wrongly trustin?
5.
In what ways do you need tolift up your heads to see God's
victory in your circumstances?
Do you need to lift up yourheads to see God's victory in
your circumstances?
Number six how can youintentionally welcome the King
(07:36):
of glory into your relationshipsthis week?
Number seven what specificaction can you take to see God's
face more diligently?
Well, let's pray.
Father.
We praise you as the maker andruler of all.
Through the Lord, jesus Christ,cleanse our hands and purify
our hearts and, by the power ofyour Holy Spirit, help us to
turn from false trust anddeceitful ways.
Lift up our heads when we areweary and open every part of our
(07:58):
lives to the reign of the Kingof glory.
In Jesus' name we pray Amen.
Open the gates of your heartNow.
Psalm 24 calls us to worship theCreator King with holy lives
and open hearts.
It reminds us that only thosecleansed by God's grace can
stand in his presence and itinvites us to welcome the
(08:19):
victorious King of glory inevery part of our lives.
For those that are interested,we would encourage you to join
our free navigator level of ourLessons for Life community at
jameslongjrorg slash communityfor devotionals, meetups and
training that will help you walkby faith, or explore one of our
(08:39):
full memberships atjameslongjrorg slash.
Sign up now for deeper coachingand content designed to help
you grow in emotional,relational and spiritual wisdom.
The king of glory is strong tosave and gracious to reign.
Lift up your heads, open thedoors and let him in Well.
Thanks again for being with us.
(09:00):
We look forward to having younext time.
Be blessed, take care.
Hello everyone, it's James Long Jr, and do me a favor
and grab your Bible and ajournal and let's turn to Psalm
24.
Psalm 24 calls us to lift ourheads and open our hearts to the
King of Glory.
This psalm not only declaresGod's sovereign rule over all
creation, but also invites usinto his presence with clean
hands and pure hearts.
(00:21):
It is a rich source of hope anddirection for those seeking
emotional, relational, mentaland spiritual renewal.
Psalm 24 is a victory hymn, aprocessional psalm, likely sung
by God's people as they approachthe temple after a great
deliverance.
It begins with affirming thateverything belongs to the Lord
(00:41):
because he made it, and then aliturgical dialogue at the
temple gate.
The question is raised who mayascend the hill of the Lord?
The answer is clear those whohave clean hands and pure hearts
, who seek God above all else.
Finally, the psalm crescendoswith the triumphant entrance of
the King of Glory.
(01:01):
For Christians, this psalm notonly recalls the Ark of the
Covenant entering Jerusalem, butit also points us to Palm
Sunday, when Christ, the trueKing of Glory, entered the city
to secure our salvation.
It speaks today as well,calling us to examine our hearts
, live in holiness and joyfullywelcome the Lord's reign over
(01:22):
every part of our lives.
Joyfully welcome.
The Lord's reign over everypart of our lives.
The first section is thesovereign Lord of all.
Psalm, chapter 24, verses 1through 2.
The psalm begins with asweeping declaration that earth
is the Lord's and the fullnessthereof, the world and all those
who dwell therein.
God's ownership extends toevery place and every person.
(01:44):
This is not poetic exaggeration, it's a theological fact.
He founded the earth upon theseas and established it upon the
rivers, showing his supremacyover forces that the ancient
people viewed as chaotic ordivine.
This truth steadies us in timesof uncertainty, when the
pressures of life feeloverwhelming, when conflict
(02:05):
threatens your relationships,when mental strain weighs
heavily, when emotions run high.
Remember that you belong to theone who rules over all.
You're not adrift in chaos.
The King of Glory holds yourlife in his hands.
The heart God welcomes.
Psalm, chapter 24, verses 3through 6.
(02:26):
The psalm shifts to a searchingquestion who shall ascend the
hill of the Lord and who shallstand in his holy place?
The answer pierces to the hearthe who has clean hands and a
pure heart, who does not lift uphis soul to what is false and
does not swear deceitfully.
Now.
Clean hands speak of theoutward actions how we treat
(02:47):
others, how we conduct ourselvesat work, in our family and in
our community.
Pure hearts speak to the innermotives, our thoughts, desires
and our loyalties.
God desires integrity insideand out.
He is not fooled by religiousperformance if the heart remains
unyielded.
For Israelites, this standardunderscored their need for God's
(03:09):
cleansing through sacrifice Forus.
It reminds us that, apart fromChrist, none of us could stand.
But because Jesus entered theholy place for us, his
righteousness is counted as oursby his spirit.
He begins to make our handsclean and our hearts pure in
real, daily ways In counseling.
(03:30):
This passage is a reminder thathealing is both inward and
outward.
A person battling shame mayneed to receive God's
forgiveness at a heart level.
Someone struggling withbitterness may need to act on
the forgiveness towards others.
Someone struggling withbitterness may need to act on
the forgiveness towards others.
God's blessing, his favor andvindication flow to those who
seek him sincerely, humbly anddependently.
(03:53):
The Triumph of the King, psalm24, verses 7-10.
The psalm closes with amajestic call Lift up your heads
, o gates, and be lifted up, oancient doors, that the King of
glory may come in.
This is more than poeticimagery.
It's the original setting andit's likely describing the
temple gates being opened widefor the Ark to enter,
(04:15):
symbolizing God's victoriouspresence among his people.
Spiritually, it is a picture ofthrowing wide the doors of our
lives to the Lord's reign.
Twice the question is asked whois the king of glory?
And twice comes the answer theLord strong and mighty.
The Lord mighty in battle, theLord of hosts, he is the king of
(04:38):
glory.
This is the God who conquerssin, fear and every force that
opposes his people.
In the Gospels, this scenefinds its fulfillment when Jesus
enters Jerusalem, not as awarrior with chariots, but as a
humble king who would win agreater battle over sin and
death.
Today he still comes to thosewho will welcome him, not into a
(04:59):
city, but into hearts and homes.
Now let's look at the doctrinaltruths to remember.
First, god owns everythingbecause he created everything.
We see that in verses 1 and 2,but we also see that in
Colossians, chapter 1, verse 16.
Second, holiness matters.
God desires clean hands andpure hearts.
(05:21):
We saw that in verse 4 here,but also you can see that in
Matthew, chapter 5, verse 8.
Third, god blesses those whoseek him with favor and
vindication.
We saw that in verses 5 and 6here, but you can also pick that
up in Hebrews, chapter 11,verse 6.
Next, christ is the true kingof glory who entered Jerusalem
(05:44):
to secure our salvation.
We saw that in verses 7 through10 here, but you can also see
that in John, chapter 12, verses12 through 15.
And then, finally, we must openour lives to his reign, daily,
welcoming his presence in everyarea.
We'll see that in Revelation,chapter 3, verse 20.
Now let's take all of thatdoctrine and let's make it
(06:06):
practical, practical theology,living out this psalm.
The first thing we need to seeis that begin each day by
affirming God's ownership ofyour life and everything in it.
Second, invite the Holy Spiritto search your hearts for hidden
idols or deceit, and confesswhat he reveals.
Third, practice integrity inspeech and action, even when it
(06:29):
costs you.
Fourth, intentionally lift yourheads when discouraged,
remembering God's past victoriesin your life.
And then, finally, consciouslywelcome Christ's presence in
your home, work andrelationships.
Now let's reflect and respond.
Number one what areas of yourlife are hardest to surrender to
(06:51):
God's ownership?
Number two how does rememberingthat the earth is the Lord's
change your view of dailychallenges?
Number three what might cleanhands and a pure heart look like
in your current season.
4.
How can you guard your heartagainst false idols, things or
(07:14):
people you might wrongly trustin?
5.
In what ways do you need tolift up your heads to see God's
victory in your circumstances?
Do you need to lift up yourheads to see God's victory in
your circumstances?
Number six how can youintentionally welcome the King
(07:36):
of glory into your relationshipsthis week?
Number seven what specificaction can you take to see God's
face more diligently?
Well, let's pray.
Father.
We praise you as the maker andruler of all.
Through the Lord, jesus Christ,cleanse our hands and purify
our hearts and, by the power ofyour Holy Spirit, help us to
turn from false trust anddeceitful ways.
Lift up our heads when we areweary and open every part of our
(07:58):
lives to the reign of the Kingof glory.
In Jesus' name we pray Amen.
Open the gates of your heartNow.
Psalm 24 calls us to worship theCreator King with holy lives
and open hearts.
It reminds us that only thosecleansed by God's grace can
stand in his presence and itinvites us to welcome the
(08:19):
victorious King of glory inevery part of our lives.
For those that are interested,we would encourage you to join
our free navigator level of ourLessons for Life community at
jameslongjrorg slash communityfor devotionals, meetups and
training that will help you walkby faith, or explore one of our
(08:39):
full memberships atjameslongjrorg slash.
Sign up now for deeper coachingand content designed to help
you grow in emotional,relational and spiritual wisdom.
The king of glory is strong tosave and gracious to reign.
Lift up your heads, open thedoors and let him in Well.
Thanks again for being with us.
(09:00):
We look forward to having younext time.
Be blessed, take care.
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