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.
Often, our emotions are upset because we want something and do not have it. When we can’t seem to get what we want, we can become frustrated, angry, sad, confused, fearful, and envious of those who do have it.
Let me ask you today, if you could ask for only one thing, what would it be? In today’s scripture, David’s “one thing” is God’s presence. More than anything else, David wanted to know God as He really is and to be with Him. When we sense His presence, all other desires fall into their proper place. In His presence we find perfect peace and “fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11 AMP). Our emotions are stable, happy, and at rest when we are in God’s presence.
Unfortunately, we can get so distracted with the rush and pressure of the details of our lives that we neglect the most important thing—spending time in God’s presence—and instead chase things that are ultimately not important. How foolish we are to spend our lives seeking things that can’t satisfy while we ignore God, the “One Thing” who can give us great joy, peace, satisfaction, and contentment. We never know the joy of seeking the One we really need. An old saying attributed to Blaise Pascal basically says that in every person’s heart is a God-shaped vacuum or hole that God alone can fill. No matter what else we try to fill it with, we will remain empty and frustrated.
If you find your emotions on edge today because you want something you don’t have, take time to be in God’s presence. When you do, you’ll find everything you truly need.
Prayer of the Day: Lord, I repent for seeking things that don’t really matter. Help me to find everything I need as I spend time in Your presence.
