One Thing

We live in a scary world. We face danger abroad and division within. Violence has become the day to day language of news broadcasts, and anger has embittered many so much that they cannot see beyond their resentment. In some places people dare not walk alone at night over even the shortest distances. Indeed, what does it say about a society where schools, courthouses, and church buildings have become routine targets of out of control malice? Inner city streets have turned into danger zones. We may turn a blind eye to these things, but they remain a very real part of modern America. However, rather than allowing ourselves to get caught up in the fear, we should refocus our attention daily on the things that truly matter. As David wrote almost three millennia ago, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psa. 27:1). David lived in a scary world too—a world in which he faced enemies and war personally (Psa. 27:2-3). But his enemies did not define him, nor did his fears control him. He maintained his priorities even in the midst of these dangers, and this determined how he lived and how he would respond no matter what the situation upon the earth. “One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: 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 inquire in His temple” (Psa. 27:4).

One thing. David understood that if he made God his priority, he could have the right perspective regarding the problems he faced in life (Psa. 27:5). Thus, he devoted himself to praise (Psa. 27:6) and to prayer (Psa. 27:7). He saw the value of obedience (Psa. 27:8) and longed for fellowship with God (Psa. 27:9-10). He approached the Lord to learn and grow rather than to be applauded (Psa. 27:11-12). He did all this because of one thing, and in the end that decision sustained him when everything in the world seemed topsy-turvy and out of his control. He explained, “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living” (Psa. 27:13). David had such great faith in the Lord that he knew he would find success, peace, comfort, and purpose if he first determined to seek the LORD. Therefore, if you have found yourself anxious and afraid and have been tempted to give up or give in, hear the final words of wisdom David offers: “Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psa. 27:14).