18 August 2020

“One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek”

What's your one thing?

What's the one thing that your heart desires? What's the one thing that you think would change your life?

What's the one thing that you look to for satisfaction, contentment, or peace?

What's your one thing?

The reality for many of us is that that "one thing" is not the Lord.

Psalm 27:4 (AMP) “One thing I have asked of the Lord, and that I will seek: 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 meditate in His temple.”

Psalm 27 seems to be a psalm of trust as David writes of his confidence despite being pursued, attacked, besieged, threatened, accused, and nearly overwhelmed. Although David is going through all these troubles, he realises that his only salvation is in His presence.

Psalm 27:2-3 (AMP) “When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though an army encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, Even in this I am confident.”

Psalm 27:5 (AMP) “For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock”

In the midst of all this adversity, David trusts in the LORD’s deliverance.

Psalm 27:4-6 (MSG) “I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet. 5 That’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, The perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic. 6 God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down. I’m headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof! Already I’m singing God-songs; I’m making music to God.”

Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Spurgeon writes, “Divided aims tend to distraction, weakness, disappointment. The man of one book is eminent, the man of one pursuit is successful. Let all our affections be bound up in one affection, and that affection set upon heavenly things.”

Notice that David turns desire into action; he desires God’s presence and therefore seeks God’s presence.”

“One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek”