Psalm 27

Today’s readings include one of the most cited and recited psalms in the bible—Psalm 23, a glorious testament to the dedication that David gave to God. Fortunately for the reader we also have Psalm 27 included, as well, with its oft quoted verse, “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.” This small excerpt from the reading contains so much power when you think about the significance of what “living with God” can mean.

We make a very humble attempt to create this sense of belonging, of nearness to God each week through our Sunday worship experience but David, of course, is saying much, much more in this passage. He goes on to describe the joy he experiences gazing on the beauty of the Lord and purposefully states that he wants to reach out to God during his visits to the temple—as we do each Sunday. But we need to think about what it truly means to “dwell in the house of the Lord.” This isn’t a request to visit with God but to truly live with God, to inhabit God’s world, to experience fully the comfort and care needed to be an intimate part of God’s house. Think about our home lives—the effort that we put into creating a home to make it a loving environment for all who live there. This is the relationship that David wants with God—to be part of God’s world and submit to the conditions and responsibilities that come with this holy state. Can we do the same?

Lord, always be there for me—to open the door, when I knock; to let me enter, when I ask; to let me live with you, forever.

~Dave Se.