Scripture Reading: Psalm 27:1-14
“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.”—Psalm 27:4
A new year brings new hopes, aspirations, and goals. We make resolutions to improve our health, finances, relationships, spirituality and more. Yet, statistics show most resolutions put in place on January 1st seldom make it past February. There are various reasons why resolutions don’t last, but the primary cause? Typically, at some point in the year, we get distracted by the realities of life. We have too many issues going on and we lose our focus.
In today’s psalm, David speaks of his own distractions. The wicked, enemies, and armies, are assembled against him. In the midst of all that, instead of asking God for protection from or vindication over his enemies, David presents his one desire to God: to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Not that the presence of enemies and the wicked are not a matter of concern. Just not as important as being in the presence of God. If David could choose one thing in life, it was to live with God forever.
Sometimes our goals are focused on the wrong things; things with no substance or long-term value. When goals are intended to address a short-term issue, we will have a short-term solution. At times, we develop goals without consulting God about what is truly important in life. When we establish goals without asking God, we will end up with flawed goals set to be achieved with flawed plans, resulting in flawed results.
Some people rail against New Year’s resolutions, but taking the opportunity to reflect upon our lives and to chart a new course is a valuable activity. David used his situation to take inventory of himself and decided on one thing to ask of God, the one thing that ultimately matters. It is the same choice Mary made to sit at the feet of Jesus to hear the Bread of Life instead of preparing bread for life. What about us? What is that one thing that we desire in this new year?
Question to Ponder: What is that one thing that we desire in this new year?
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”—Matthew 6:33-34
