One Thing

Ps. 27:4

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple.

 

Ps. 27 is one of those psalms that really encourage and uplift my soul. It begins with confidence in the midst of evildoers. David has placed his entire confidence in the Lord's hands. It is there that he has peace and confidence.

 

 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.

 

Then he realizes his one thing, something that he wants above all else. How glorious to declare that his one thing is to dwell in the Lord's house, not a palace and not anything temporal. What intimacy with God: Dwelling with the lord, gazing upon His beauty, and inquiring in His temple. What is the result of such desires? He will be hidden during trouble, concealed in His tent, and lifted up high on a rock. What care from a loving God! Finally, the goodness of God is so great that he must sing and make melody to the Lord. Praise fills His life! I so want my life to be filled with praise to Him.

 

One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.

 

David is concerned about his enemies, those who would seek to destroy his life. He cries out for refuge. He realizes that he needs to walk as God would have him walk, that is on God's level path, and not on the path that he thinks might be good.

 

Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies

 

He concludes this Psalm by expressing his faith in the Lord. He knows that all that happens in his life whether good or bad is from the Lord. He only needs to wait on the Lord, as do I!

 

Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!
Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

 

So much comes from waiting on the Lord. Why do I [and others] run ahead thinking that we know the plan and its result? Sadly, it doesn't work that way at all. Running ahead in the flesh is definitely not waiting on the Lord. Waiting, though difficult, allows me to see His goodness and His level path. Waiting brings such joy and peace! I can sing and make melody in my heart to the Lord!

 

Father,

My heart is full this morning with Your great provision. As I read David's thoughts, I want them to be my thoughts. I want You to be my light and salvation. I want to dwell in Your house forever, to gaze upon Your beauty, and to be taught all that I don't understand. Lord, teach me Your way so that I may walk on Your path without running ahead. Lord, I confess all the times that I have functioned in the flesh. Spirit, fill me, teach, control me, and help me in my weakness. Let me live praising God continually.

In Jesus name,

Amen