When I was younger, there was a song by an Atlanta-based artist that included the lyrics, “The world is yours and everything in it, it’s out there – get on your grind and get it.” This song was an anthem for many of my friends. Looking back at that time in my life, I see how culture often contradicts the Word of God. Psalm 24 is one of my favorite passages of Scripture. It presents a countercultural message from God. Our world often promotes the idea that “The world is yours and everything in it, it’s out there — get on your grind and get it.” This mentality suggests that through effort and determination, we can claim the world and all it offers. It’s a rallying cry for self-reliance, ambition, and personal success. But Psalm 24 challenges this outlook by reminding us that everything in the world already belongs to God, not to us. King David opens with a bold declaration: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1 NIV).

Psalm 24 invites us into a mindset of humility and reverence. Rather than claiming ownership, we are called to honor God’s sovereignty, recognizing that we are stewards of what He has entrusted to us. This shift in perspective is powerful. Instead of taking, we are called to care for and give back to the One who owns it all.

Verses 1 and 2: Who owns it and who stewards it?

Psalm 24 begins with a foundational truth: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” Unlike the song I mentioned earlier, which implies that the world is ours for the taking, David reminds us that our role is not to own but to steward.

In today’s culture, the pressure to “get on your grind” can push us toward a mentality of claiming and consuming. But David redirects us to view the world differently. As creator, God is the rightful owner, and we are simply caretakers. The psalm emphasizes God’s authority, not ours, reminding us that we live under His rule and grace.

This truth calls us to a life of gratitude and stewardship. When we understand that the world and everything in it belongs to God, our approach shifts. We no longer see things as possessions to claim but as blessings to manage wisely. This mindset encourages us to align our goals with God’s purposes, prioritizing His will above personal ambition.

Verses 3–6: How can I move toward the Creator?

“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?” These verses highlight the requirements for coming into God’s presence: clean hands, a pure heart, a life free from idolatry, and honesty in all dealings. 

The “grind” mentality often leads to self-centeredness, where success is pursued at any cost. In contrast, Psalm 24 emphasizes that approaching God requires a heart and life marked by purity and humility. Clean hands signify righteous actions, and a pure heart speaks to inner motives. It’s not just what we do, but who we are within, that matters to God.

This message challenges us to examine how we live and what we worship. While the world may idolize wealth, fame and success, Psalm 24 calls us to turn from these false gods. Our devotion is to be singular, focused solely on God. David’s words remind us that we can’t truly approach God if we’re serving other masters or living with divided loyalties. As my former pastor once said, “If you’re loyal to the world, you are disloyal to God.”

When we pursue holiness, God’s blessing and salvation follow. This isn’t about earning favor through good deeds but aligning our lives with God’s character. Through Christ, we are made righteous, able to approach God’s holy place with confidence, not by our own merit, but by His grace. Living in this way directly conflicts with a self-made mindset, as it is grounded in a relationship with God, not personal achievement.

Verses 7–10: Welcoming the King of Glory

In these final verses, David shifts to a triumphant call for the city gates to open, allowing the King to enter. “Lift up your heads, you gates … that the King of glory may come in” (Psalm 24:7 NIV). This passage captures a powerful image: God, the King of all, entering His people’s hearts and lives.

The world’s “go get it” mindset promotes self-reliance, suggesting that we can secure success on our own. But Psalm 24 reminds us that it’s God who reigns supreme. David’s question, “Who is the King of glory?” is rhetorical. The answer (“The Lord, strong and mighty”) establishes that God alone holds power and authority. He doesn’t need us to pave the way, but instead, we need Him to open our lives to let Him reign.

As believers, this passage calls us to make room for God to rule in every area of life. Rather than being driven by a “me first” mentality, we are called to let Christ, the ultimate King of glory, take center stage. When we welcome Him fully, we acknowledge that our achievements, success, and very lives are His. This part of Psalm 24 points prophetically to Jesus, the King of glory, who entered Jerusalem and ultimately conquered sin and death. Welcoming Him means surrendering our ambitions and letting His purpose and presence direct us, trusting that His ways are higher than our self-driven pursuits.

Kingdom Living Mindset

Psalm 24 offers a refreshing contrast to the secular message of self-centered ambition. While society urges us to view the world as ours to conquer, this psalm calls us to recognize that it is God’s world and we are His people. The mindset of “the world is yours” may sound empowering, but ultimately, it places the burden of success on our shoulders.

God’s message in Psalm 24 shifts the focus. Our lives are not about striving to take, but about serving, honoring, and trusting God with what He has given us. This shift leads to freedom, as we rely on God’s strength rather than our own.

As we seek to live with clean hands and pure hearts, pursuing God rather than idols, we find the peace and purpose that only He can provide. The world is not ours to claim, but it is ours to enjoy and steward as we live in harmony with the Creator, welcoming the King of glory into our lives.