“This One Thing”

“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” (Psalm 27:4). 

This Psalm is a declaration of King David’s triumphant faith and love for God. David had adjusted his life to one top priority. He states, “One thing I have asked of the LORD.” Like David, could one of our top priorities in life be to go to the house of God for worship, praise and thanksgiving whenever church services are convened?

It is obvious that David is expressing his longing and hunger for the divine presence of Almighty God. David’s “one thing” was not actually seeking something from God. Instead, his desire was to “dwell in the house of the Lord.” The sanctuary of the temple was where David would experience God’s divine presence. In Psalm 122:1, David also said, “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” 

Interestingly, Psalm 84 written by the Sons of Korah, is a striking similarity to David’s desire in Psalm 27. Psalm 84:1-1-2,4 reads: “How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise.” These verses seem to summarize the blessedness of “dwelling” in the house of God.

“This is the one thing that was the aim of David’s life.” Wrote J. Vernon McGee. “One thing haveI I desired 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 behold the beauty of the LORD and inquire in His temple.” In the house of God was the mercy seat. David needed mercy, and I need mercy—and I am sure you do also. In the house of God was an altar that spoke of the cross of Christ. This provided for David access into the presence God” (Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee. Vol. II. Thomas Nelson Publishers Nashville pg. 720).

No doubt, “the favor of the LORD” must have meant everything to David as nothing else seemed to compare because of the unparalleled splendor, majesty, and glory of the Lord. Moses wrote: “And let the favor of the LORD our God be upon us” (Psalm 90:17).

David had expressed his thirst for God while he was in the wilderness of Judah. He prayed: “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory” (Psalm 63:1,2).

Clearly, David had a heart for God and His divine presence. It is therefore not surprising that God declared of him, “I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will. Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised” (Acts 13:22,23). 

It is God’s intent and purpose that Christians should never neglect public gathering for corporate worship in the earthly sanctuary of a local church. The Scripture says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24,25).

Gathering to worship God is a meaningful expression of our love for Him, and our faith and trust in Him as well. Psalm. 22:22 says, “In the midst of the congregation I will praise you.” And again we are exhorted in Psalm 134:2, “Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the LORD.”