"One thing have I desired 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 behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock." Psalms 27:4-5
We all have many wants and desires for things in the natural, hoping they will give some amount of gratification. Yet the riches of this world, never bring a true happiness in life. Don’t get me wrong - I don’t want to surrender all my nice “things,” but I also don’t put much confidence in them.
There is one “thing” more valuable to me than anything else. Being in the House of the Lord, with my brothers and sisters. Over a month into the restrictions on group gatherings, I’m ready to be back together with the Saints of the Lord! Even more valuable than the benefits of being with the Saints though, is continually dwelling in His presence. That is where I find my peace, protection and comfort. “For in the times of trouble he shall hide me...” What a promise.
We don’t have to be concerned about the storm, if we’re dwelling with the Lord. We don’t need to worry and stress over crisis, if we have the Lord. We can be assured that All things work together for good, to those who love God and to the called according to His purpose.
Even greater still, all of the peace and protection He affords us is not just found in the church building. Paul wrote "...for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." 2 Corinthians 6:16. My one desire, my one thing I cannot do without, is abiding with the Lord. I want to be a temple He is willing to dwell in. Not only will this get me on the road to Heaven, but it gives me peace, comfort and protection all along the journey.
If you’re finding yourself lacking peace right now, make sure of your dwelling place. Build up yourself, on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Be renewed in the Holy Ghost often, make your temple open for the Lord to dwell in, keep a short account with God and let Him be your strength.
When the Prophet Daniel was persecuted by those underneath him, he continued doing what was necessary to keep his relationship with the Lord on track. Daniel opened his window and prayed toward Jerusalem three times a day (shall we pause and compare his prayer routine to ours?) But, it was Daniel’s steadfastness in prayer that kept him safe and preserved through the storm (the storm of hungry lions that is.)
Many more examples are in the Word of God, but for the sake of brevity I will quit. Remember, our Lord wants to keep us safe in his pavilion - will we let him?
Lord bless!
-Brother Michael