One Thing I Desire
Be encouraged by today’s Scripture reflection and prayer.
Today's Scripture
One thing have I desired 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 behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
— Psalm 27:4 KJV
Reflection
Psalm 27 is an interesting psalm. We see David surrounded by trouble, experiencing attacks from his enemies, and yet trusting fully in the sovereignty of God to see him through. He is not ignoring the danger around him. He is very aware of it. Still, in the middle of fear and uncertainty, David makes something clear. His deepest request is not escape, victory, or safety. It is to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of his life.
Most of us have never been in war or war like conditions. But if we were, what would be foremost in our minds? Safety, surely. Family, absolutely. The hope of coming home. Yet David’s earnest desire rises above survival. He longs for the presence of God. He wants to worship, to meditate, and to behold the beauty of the LORD in His house.
That makes me pause and examine my own heart. When I am in my own personal battles, where do my desires go? What fills my thoughts? I can honestly say that much of the time my focus stays on the issue at hand. The pressure. The uncertainty. The need for relief. David shows us another way. Even while surrounded, he seeks the goodness of the LORD. His heart is fixed not on the chaos around him, but on the beauty of God.
The beauty David speaks of is not outward appearance alone. It is the goodness, holiness, mercy, and faithfulness of God. Today, we see that beauty most clearly in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s presence with His people. Through Him, we dwell with God, not in a physical temple, but in a living relationship. When we desire Jesus above all else, we are seeking the same thing David longed for. The presence of the LORD. The goodness of the LORD. The beauty of the LORD.
Today's Prayer
Lord, You see the battles I face, both seen and unseen. Teach my heart to desire You above all else. When fear presses in and distractions compete for my attention, draw my focus back to Your presence. Help me seek Your beauty, Your goodness, and Your truth rather than becoming consumed by my circumstances. Thank You for Jesus, who makes it possible for me to dwell with You. Let my greatest desire be to know You, worship You, and rest in Your presence all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Before You Go
When trouble rises, what does your heart seek first? Relief, answers, or escape? David’s words invite us to ask a deeper question. Do we desire God Himself more than the outcome we want?
Today, pause and reflect on where your focus has been during your personal battles. Bring that before the Lord honestly. Jesus invites you into God’s presence, not just when life is calm, but especially when it is hard. Ask God to shape your desires so that seeking Him becomes your first response. When your heart learns to dwell in His presence, even the fiercest struggles are met with the beauty and goodness of the LORD.
