One thing I have desired ... That will I seek - That I may dwell ...

This morning's quote from Psalm 27:4 reveals King David's stance as a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22). He desires one thing above all else to be a seeker after God and to dwell in His presence. David did not get there through smooth sailing, but rather by putting his trust in God at all times he experienced God's faithfulness, provision and protection. The Lord, David tells us,  is his light and his deliverer. The Hebrew word translated deliver has the sense of being saved in battle, being victorious.  Indeed David tells us that when his enemies came up against him they stumbled and fell (verse 2). Through this he learned not to not let his heart fear “even though and army encamp against him" (verse 3). It is this experience that leads him to declare that the one thing he desires is to seek and to dwell in His presence.

But what does it mean that seeking and dwelling is the one thing David seeks, and how did he learn not to let his heart fear? The first commandment come to mind to love God with all of our heart soul and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). In other words it is all about a passionate relationship with God  that holds no bars, no barrier. When David fails, as we all do, he cries out to God to teach him truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6), and the Word is his meditation day and night (Psalm 1:2). This is surely what he means when he says the Lord is his light (verse 1). Further more David does not display what today is called the rugged North American individualism. He does not do things in his own strength, for the Lord is not only David's light, He is the strength of his life (verse 1 again). Like a little child, David is totally dependent on God!

But how does he teach his heart not to fear? It is about both trust and experience. In particular David learnt to keep his heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23). It starts with looking back on previous deliverance “when the wicked came to “eat his flesh they stumbled and fell" (verse 2). So David refused to allow the negative thought and emotions that dwelling on fear brings. But he also knows that it is not just about stopping those thoughts, but rather replacing them by pressing into God by seeking Him single-mindedly. This is the one thing he desires.

Father, thank You for the example, and challenge of David's life. David tells us he desired to seek and dwell, indicating that he did not always do it. He needed Your help, and so do we Lord. So we come to You again this morning asking You to help us do our part in making You our refuge and our strength, and for You to be the first thing we turn to in difficulties and temptations. And we  will  give You the honour and glory in Jesus Name Amen