This past week, we have traced the journey of a couple deeply in love. This pair were not interested in occasional visits; they were invested in a lifetime relationship with their ‘beloved’ and ‘friend’ (Song of Songs 5:16). 

‘Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?’ (v 1) is not an application for a tourist visa but an expression of interest in permanent residence status! The psalmist was not seeking a casual relationship, but a happy ever after with his Lord! The items in the somewhat daunting list that follows (vs 2–5) are not prerequisites for this relationship – the Bible clearly states that we are saved by grace, through faith, and not by works (Ephesians 2:8,9). This psalm does not spell out admission requirements. Instead, it describes the character, qualities and conduct of those who have accepted the invitation to live with God. Since God’s dwelling-place is ‘sacred’ or ‘holy’ (v 1), doing life with God involves desiring, delighting in and reflecting his holiness. 

Despite being deeply committed, the Song’s couple still had to engage in the daily and difficult work of doing life together – dealing with distance and disconnection, adjusting to differences and working through misunderstandings. As in marriage, doing life with God takes ongoing work and is not a point in time but a lifelong process.