Daily Devotions
One thing I ask of the LORD … that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life.” Psalm 27:4
Many fairy tales revolve around the central character receiving an opportunity to choose one thing. One wish is granted by a genie. Or the king offers one request, up to half of his kingdom. Scripture contains some interesting verses where “one thing” receives attention.
David writes, “One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: 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 seek Him in His temple” (Psalm 27:4). Aware of many enemies and major problems confronting him, he nevertheless rejoices at the opportunity to worship the Lord. There in God’s presence he finds shelter and safety; he experiences victory over his enemies; he sings and makes music to the Lord. The one thing he asks of the Lord is to worship Him perpetually in His house. A rather interesting choice for a warrior and political leader.
Would you choose, as your one thing desired, to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of your life? Problems loom large. Challenges occupy our attention. But nothing brings greater joy than focusing on the God of our salvation, the One who gave His life as a sacrifice for the world. Dwelling in His house means living for Him each day aware of His saving presence and rejoicing with praise to Him. How thrilling to gather with God’s people around Word and sacrament each Sunday in the house of the Lord! It is the one thing desired!
PRAYER: O Lord, guide me to choose the one thing desired, to gather with Your people and praise and thank You for Your love and Your gift of Your Son as my Savior. Amen.
(Devotions from “My Daily Devotion” by Dr. Stephen J. Carter, copyright 1988 CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time emailing of this link to a friend. For ordering information, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit www.cph.org.)