Psalm 27:4,11-14 (CB)

One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after:

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 to inquire in his temple. Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.

Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence. I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

THE BEAUTY OF GOD. Is there certain music that gives you deep joy? Is there a view or landscape that does the same? If someone says, “What is the use of that?” you answer that the landscape is not a means to some other end but satisfying in itself. David’s supreme priority is “to gaze on the beauty of the Lord” (v4). “Gazing” is not a one-time glimpse but a steady, sustained focus. It is praising, admiring, and enjoying God just for who he is. David finds God beautiful, not just useful for attaining goods. To sense God’s beauty in the heart is to have such pleasure in him that you rest content.

Prayer: Lord, it is no exaggeration to say that there is only one thing that I really need in life. It is to not merely believe in you but in prayer and life to see and enjoy your beauty. Let me love you for yourself alone. Amen.