“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.” Psalms 27:4
If you could ask for one thing, what would it be? For some, the “one thing” might seem obvious: a safe place to live, a warm meal, or healing from an illness. For others, it may be the hope of finding companionship or peace amid uncertainty. For those nearing the end of their journey, it may simply be the comfort of one more day with loved ones. Wherever we are in life, we all long for something that feels like it will complete us.
The one thing King Solomon asked for was wisdom. (1 Kings 3:5-15) His father, King David, asked for something that would not only give him discernment but keep him in constant connection with the Lord: to dwell in His house, look upon His face, and praise Him. But David’s request wasn’t merely about seeking a physical space. The temple was where God’s presence dwelled among His people, representing closeness to Him. When David asked for "one thing," he wasn’t asking for an earthly luxury. He was expressing his deep longing for the presence of the Lord, knowing that everything else he could desire would pale in comparison. His “one thing” wasn’t just a single request—it was the ultimate desire that covered all the smaller wants and needs.
How often do we ask for just "one more thing"? For example, we may pray, "Lord, just this one thing—help me through this job interview." But then we quickly add, "Oh, and just one more thing—could You help with my finances?" It’s relatable and even amusing sometimes, but it shows how our wants can pile up without us realizing it. And yet, when we focus on seeking God’s presence, we find He is already attending to everything we need.
When we accept Christ, we are given the same opportunity to foster a relationship with God that David treasured. Accepting Christ’s invitation allows us to dwell in the Lord's presence, behold His beauty, and seek Him in every moment. Through Christ, we find that the relationship David longed for is available to us—not just in fleeting moments but as a constant source of joy and guidance. And here's the incredible part—when we make Him our “one thing,” we find that He takes care of everything else.
As we reflect, let’s ask ourselves: What is my “one thing”? Whether we seek peace amid struggles, long for connection, or are nearing the end of life’s journey, the answer remains the same—God is our ultimate fulfillment. When we dwell in His presence and accept His love through Christ, we find He provides far more than we could ask or imagine. In Him, we have everything we truly need.
Gracious God, you know each of us and the longings of our hearts. Grant Your provision for those in need. Surround those feeling alone with Your presence. Bring comfort to those facing the end of their days with the promise of eternal life with You. Help us set aside our many distractions and focus on the one thing that truly matters: dwelling in Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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