Bible Study: Psalm 27

“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. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.”

-Psalm 27:4-5

What is the desire of your heart?

When all the noise quiets down and your heart comes back to the moment, what does your soul seek?

It can be all too easy (myself included) to come to God and seek what He can give us. Now, there is nothing wrong with asking God for what we need and desire because He is our provider. It is His job to ensure our needs are met and to take care of us.

But there must be a greater desire within our hearts as David wrote in today’s Psalm.

Do we seek God for what He can give, or for who He is?

Are we content to simply have God give us what we ask and miss out on having His presence?

Would the one desire of our hearts be to sit with the Lord, and behold His beauty?

This can be done in the simplest of moments.

The next time you make a hot beverage, truly watch how the steam rises from your cup.

When you are graced with a beautiful sunrise or sunset, soak in the colors and wonder of it all.

When you hear your loved ones laugh, revel in how sweet the sound is.

When a peace that cannot be described washes over your tired or anxious mind, remember His goodness.

To gaze upon His beauty, is to take hold of the little Miracles woven into every day.

After seeking the Lord’s face and beholding His beauty, we can find rest.

For He hides us from danger and keeps us safe above the storm.

When life brings trouble, God brings protection and peace.

What a comfort it is, knowing that in any trial, we are not alone.

God holds us steadfast so that we do not fall. He sets us high upon the rock.

When I hear that phrase, I envision a raging and stormy sea. Whose waves are violently crashing upon the shore. Above those waves, there is a high cliffside. Too steep for any wave or enemy to reach us. It is here the Lord sets us.

The storm is still within our sight, but we are outside of its reach.

It can be tempting to see the storm and start to panic, but the practice of resting in Christ is knowing that we are held. The storm cannot overcome us. For He has overcome the world.

Prayer:

Thank you Lord,

For never leaving my side. Let the desire of my heart be to sit beside you and not keep prying into your hands. For you ensure my every need is met. You know the best path for my life, and you lead me on it. I am choosing to rest in your arms. For I love your presence, and I trust your protection.

In Jesus’s name,

Amen