Live with Him
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. – Psalms 27:4
There are some days when I wake up in the morning that I don’t feel good about myself. I don’t always know the reason why. Maybe it was because I said or did something the day before that I regret or maybe it was something that I did to someone else that I am now sorry for. Sometimes it is because of what someone else did or said to me. It really doesn’t matter what the reason is. The important thing is that I know how to take it to my Father in heaven and shake it off so that I can move forward in my life and my calling.
Now I realize that there are always going to be days when things are just not quite right. We live in a fallen world so there will never be perfect surroundings. Thank goodness, with God’s help, we can accomplish the mission we were created for, but we must know how to submit all things to Him for direction, instructions and cleansing. When we feel bad about ourselves or others, it is so important to turn it all over to God so that our heart does not condemn us and steal our confidence in Him.
In today’s reading, we can learn how to walk through this life with God’s presence and protection every step of the way. Psalms 27 offers encouragement and strength no matter how we are feeling or what is going on around us. In verse 4, David expressed a deep longing to be in God’s presence continually. He wanted to experience His beauty, and to seek His guidance. David reminded himself that there is only one place he wanted to be all the time, that is to be in God’s presence.
In David’s day, being in God’s presences would mean that he would have to go to the place of worship to be with Him. It is a quite different for us today. Because God sent His only Son to come and pay the price for sin, now He is able to come right into our hearts and lives and be with us where ever we go. Not only is this the greatest gift of all time that saves us from being eternally separated from Him, but it also gives us access to His presence right where we are every minute of every day.
Dwelling in the house of the Lord doesn’t just mean being in a physical building or place of worship. It means living in constant awareness of God’s presence in your life, no matter where you are. It’s about cultivating a heart that is focused on God, seeking Him in every situation, and recognizing that His presence is with you in every moment of your life.
You can dwell in the house of the Lord while sitting at your desk at work, while caring for your family, or even while facing the most challenging circumstances. It’s about turning your thoughts to Him, inviting Him into your daily routine and your problems, and allowing His peace and guidance to fill your heart.
It is no secret that life can be overwhelming at times, with responsibilities, struggles, and uncertainties weighing us down. But when you choose to dwell in the presence of the Lord, you are choosing to anchor yourself in His peace and strength. The house of the Lord is not limited by walls or a location—it is wherever you are, because God is with you.
In this Psalm, David also speaks of the confidence he had in God, saying, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1). This confidence came from knowing that God is always near, ready to provide light in the darkness and strength in weakness.
No matter where you are in life, you can find refuge in God’s presence. When the world feels chaotic, when the future seems uncertain, when the burdens feel too heavy, you can dwell in the house of the Lord by drawing close to Him in prayer, worship, and focusing on His Word. He promises to be your light, your salvation, and your stronghold.
This passage also speaks of the desire to “behold the beauty of the Lord” and to “inquire in His temple.” We can do this by seeking to understand God’s character, His love, His goodness, and His wisdom in your life. It’s about taking time to reflect on who God is and how His presence can give you a whole new perspective on whatever is going on around you.
When you dwell in God’s presence, you start to see the beauty of His creation, the blessings in your life, and the ways He is working even in difficult situations. You also find the wisdom you need to navigate life’s challenges. God’s house is a place of learning, of growth, and of transformation—and you can experience all of that right where you are.
Today I want to encourage you to dwell in the house of the Lord by living with a heart that is at home with God. Make your relationship with Him the center of your life, no matter where you find yourself physically or emotionally. In this season of your life, you can dwell in His presence. You can find peace in His protection, strength in His presence, and joy in knowing that He is with you every step of the way. So, seek God with all your heart today and everyday by committing everything into His hands. Then you will find strength for your struggles, rest in His love, and live in His house—right where you are.
Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 27
1The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell.
3Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident.
4One 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.
5For 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.
6And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
7Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
9Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation.
10When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.
11Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
12Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; For false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence.
13I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
14Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!