Just one thing? - Psalm 27

1  The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

You illuminate my darkness and free me from captivity. You are my defense against evil.

2  When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.

3  Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.  

Bad news tries to break through Your fortification around me. It nags at me through ailments of my body, fears among my family, discord between believers.

Yet . . . my confidence does not lie in good health, nor in faithful kin, nor in the church’s camaraderie.

4  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.

One thing I ask.

Really?  One thing?

LORD, is it so?

I want to feel strong.
I want my mother to be taken care of by my father.
I want my spiritual family to be of one mind.

I want . . . I want . . . I want . . .

But I need one thing—I search for this one thing—to remain in Your presence. To sit down at Your feet. To delight in Your splendor.

Soli Deo gloria. Glory to God alone! This is the one thing.

I need . . . I need . . . I need . . . 
            to give You glory.

5  For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.
6  And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.
7  Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!
8  You have said, "Seek my face." My heart says to you, "Your face, LORD, do I seek."
9  Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!
10  For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.
11  Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
12  Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.   

I do believe that I see Your goodness, here, now. I expectantly wait to see even more. I fasten all my hopes on You.

I wait for You, LORD. With courage. In strength.

13  I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!
14  Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

Soli Deo gloria! The one thing!

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