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 gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and meditate in His temple. Psalm 27:4
I cannot think of a place more desirable than the presence of God, admiring his beautiful face, looking into his loving eyes and being amazed by his greatness, his love, his compassion and all the great things he has done, in creation, in history, in his dealings with nations, with people and me personally. The person he created me to be, the situations he turned around, the passions, gifts and talents and he put inside me. How he has never given up on me, despite my shortcomings, failures and worst of all: my repeated unfaithfulness to him – my Creator, the King of the universe and Lover of my soul.
Reading this verse I can’t help thinking of David’s tabernacle, in which the Levites were praising God 24/7! What an awesome atmosphere must have been there! I wish I could be there just for one moment – hearing the priests and Levites worshipping YHWH with their voices and instruments.
There are several references in the Bible to God’s sanctuary and how entering it can impact us. In our days I think these references could apply to a church service, but more importantly, I believe this is the secret place, where we are alone with God, come face-to-face with him, rest in his presence, hear from him, drink from him – and surrender to him. Surrender totally.
ONE THING I have desired.
Not two things, not three things. ONE THING.
I must have given up all other things. My desires, my dreams, my ambitions.
All these I surrendered on the altar when I made my way into the secret place.
I have not yet reached that point of total surrender to him, but I want to get there, one day.
I hope the thoughts I am sharing with you on this blog will encourage you and stir your hearts to draw close to him, come into his presence and gaze upon his beauty and his love for you.