“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.”
—Psalm 27:4 ESV

I often start my day with several tasks and projects on my mind, and no lack of requests for God.

This Psalm reminds me that there is power in seeking one thing.

David declared that the one thing he asked, the one thing he would seek, was to dwell in the house of the Lord, contemplate his beauty, and inquire in his temple.

Biblically speaking, the “house of the Lord” refers to the place where God’s presence dwells. Before Jesus’ death that was the temple in Jerusalem, but the Scriptures make it clear that God’s presence cannot be contained by a physical building (see John 4:19-21, Acts 17:24).

Many today use the phrase “the house of the Lord” to refer to a church building, and although it certainly refers to the assembly of his children (i.e. the church), it is definitely not limited to that.

In that context, to “dwell in the house of the Lord” means to dwell in God’s presence. To be with him.

To be constantly aware of his presence.

That was the one thing that David asked for.

What will you seek today?

Here is a short prayer to carry with you today:

Breathe in: One thing I ask:
Breathe out: To be with you.