One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. Psalms 27:4 NIV
If we could ask the Lord for one thing, what would it be? I'm not talking about wishes but what we truly seek. What do we spend our time, money, and energy pursuing? What is that "one thing"?
In today's verse, the poet seeks just one thing each day of his life to gaze upon God. First, to dwell upon his righteousness and offer praise. To keep his eyes focused firmly on the Lord, setting his internal spiritual compass towards heaven.
We can seek many other things, but only God can satisfy our desire and fill the emptiness. In making God our top priority, we receive clarity in all things. When we are indecisive about which way to go–turn to God. When we are persecuted and relentlessly pursued by Satan? Turn to the Lord. In God, we find strength when we are weak, courage when afraid, peace in unrest, and comfort when we mourn.
When we start our days doing what we're doing now, prayerfully meditating upon God's word and giving him praise and thanks for all his goodness, we establish him as our "one thing." Then throughout the day, it becomes easier to return to that place, remaining prayerful in all things.
Lord, we lift our hearts in praise and worship to you, the one thing we seek. We pray for those who have yet to find your deliverance. We pray for each other that we remain focused on your heavenly kingdom. Help us to listen and be obedient to the Holy Spirit. We pray this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim.
I am reminded of the timeless hymn by Ray Palmer, "My Faith Looks Up to Thee" (UMH 452). Hymns are prayers too!
My faith looks up to thee,
thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray;
take all my guilt away;
O let me from this day
be wholly thine!
May thy rich grace impart
strength to my fainting heart;
my zeal inspire!
As thou hast died for me,
oh, may my love to thee
pure, warm, and changeless be,
a living fire!
While life's dark maze I tread,
and griefs around me spread,
be thou my guide.
Bid darkness turn to day,
wipe sorrow's tears away,
nor let me ever stray
from thee aside.
When ends life's transient dream,
when death's cold, sullen stream
shall o'er me roll,
blest Savior, then, in love,
fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above,
a ransomed soul!
Commentaires