In the beginning of this familiar psalm David talks about the desperate fear that he would have were it not for the protective hand of the Almighty.
And then in verse 4 David's song changes a bit, and he begins daydreaming. Not unreasonable, fantasy dreams, but a real, hopeful, escape-from-today's-reality dream. In the midst of fearing for his life, he prays, "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." David is wishing, looking forward to a day when he doesn’t have to fear for his life, where he doesn’t have to hide but can enjoy the peace of God's presence. Or maybe he's acknowledging that in the midst of his desert of insecure days, he knows that his oasis is the presence of the Lord. He focuses on the beauty of the Lord and the desire to know God where He is.
In Psalm 29, David strongly proclaims God's protection, but he admonishes the listener to "worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness."
Do we seek the same one thing that David seeks? In the midst of all that scares us or confuses us or busies us, do we seek most the beauty of the holiness of God? Do we desire to spend the thoughts of our days in the refuge of His temple, the place where He abides? Do we meditate on Him and His words, making our hearts and minds abide with Him?
Jesus said, "Abide in Me, and I will abide in you" and "If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you."
Peace. Contentment. Security. Joy. What is it that you enjoy while you're abiding in the presence of the Lord, gazing at His beauty?
1 comment:
Peace that truly passes all understanding; contentment to the point that I want to stay at His feet rather than get moving with the day! Security in Knowing Who He is and the Joy of His Salvation - which is our strength!... All of these along with the Hope of our future with Him are enjoyed in the beauty of His hoiness. Truly, in the presence of the Lord is fullness of joy! And as you pointed out, abiding in Him and His Word in us is vital. Apart from Him we can do nothing and apart from Him we have none of the blessings of His peace, contentment, security or joy, and certainly no hope.
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