Word of Encouragement (5/13/2026)

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. 27:4)

Here, David speaks of the sole object of his desire. He claims that this has been true of his life (“One thing have I asked of the Lord”) and will continue to be (“that will I seek after”). How singular and intense is this desire of his? Think of the situations he has in mind: “When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes…” (v. 2); “though an army encamp against me…, war arise against me…” (v. 3). Rather than victory over his enemies marching against him, rather than rescue from their vicious attacks, David will seek after and ask of the Lord one thing. What is it? That he may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life.

David is not saying that he doesn’t need God’s rescue and protection from his enemies. How can this wish come true if his enemies defeat him and make him a captive? What comes through clearly is his understanding of what the goal is and what the means is. It is for the goal of dwelling in the house of the Lord that he wants victory over his many foes.

How important is this understanding! It is the reversal of how pagan religions work. The adherents of these religions seek to “dwell in the house of the Lord” (their participation in religious rituals) so they can have their desires met (defeating their enemies and removing their troubles). Sadly, this is how some approach their Christian life. When they hear Jesus say, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33), they think that seeking the kingdom of God is the means by which they can get “all these things,” which is their goal. Their understanding of seeking “first” the kingdom of God is a matter of temporal sequence, not of priority. This is a gross misunderstanding, which stems from and leads to all kinds of idolatry.

But what an easy mistake to make! Isn’t it only natural to defeat our enemies when they come at us? Isn’t it only natural to want our troubles gone when they cause us so much pain? But are such things worthy to be our ultimate desire? Will we be genuinely happy when our enemies and troubles are gone? Are we happy because our lives are free of major problems at the moment? Have we not come to know that a trouble-free life is not necessarily a happy, fulfilling life?

How grateful we should be that our salvation is not merely a rescue from hell! What does it profit a soul to be delivered from hell if its insatiable longing for God is not filled? God redeems us from hell and sin so that we can dwell in His house all the days of our lives, enjoying His presence and glory. Is your heart being conformed to this good and gracious design of God toward you?