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.
- Psalm 27:4
 
David the poet rested even in the midst of trial and conflict because his affections were focused on the Lord. Four times in Psalm 27 (twice in today’s verse and twice in verse 8) he talks of his desire to “seek” the Lord. He isn’t searching for safety or security, at least, not directly. He wants to spend time with and to see the Lord.
 
The center of our focus shapes our view of the world. When we focus on our obstacles and our enemies, our hearts grow restless. When we focus on the Lord, everything else starts to settle into its proper place.
 
We aren’t advocating blindly closing our eyes to reality. David is well aware of his challenges (as we’ll see tomorrow). But he doesn’t let his enemies determine his reality. He doesn’t let his obstacles blot out the beautiful light of God. We can both pay attention to reality and pay attention to the Lord. How is that possible? Well … the Lord is the realest reality in reality. We are at our most realistic when we realize his realness and reallocate our attention accordingly.
 
And David’s attention, when turned to the Lord, turns to him in worship. There’s never a time when worship (in some form) isn’t both possible and appropriate. David sings that he longs to be in the presence of the Lord and to show him his appreciation, respect, devotion. (The language about “temple” cues that David is interested in and thinking about worship)
 
So, we thought we’d invite you to take some time for some reflective musical worship today. This psalm has inspired poets down through the ages. Click here to take a listen to “One Thing I Ask” by Andy Park.As you listen, ask the Lord to focus your heart on his goodness and beauty and to restore you to a healthy perspective on the world.