How many of us could, like David, identify the ONE THING in our life that we desire above all else? There were few men more active and successful in the kingdom of Israel than King David, e.g. he tended flocks of sheep and defended them; he slew Goliath; he slew lions and bears; he led the army and won countless battles. The list of his exploits seems endless; yet, none of these things would appear at the head of his list of priorities!

We discover what this ONE THING was in a psalm: ‘ONE THING HAVE I 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. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me . . .’, Psalm 27 verse 4.

David had his priorities right:

• Firstly, it is clear that he PRAYED to the Lord to give him what he desired. He did not go to other men.
• Secondly, he requested PERMANANCY. This was not a short-lived burst of spiritual enthusiasm. It was a life-long, daily desire.
• Thirdly, his desire focused on a PERSON – the Lord! He understood that it was only the Lord, who could give him what he desired. People, possessions and position could not satisfy him.
• Fourthly, like Mary, in our opening meditation, he wanted to enjoy the PRESENCE of the Lord. There was, of course, no physical temple at this time – the thought is that of being in, and enjoying, the presence of, and communion with, the Lord. Being in this POSTION allowed him time to meditate on the Lord’s beauty and discover the secrets of His heart.
• Fifthly, David also knew that being in the presence of the Lord guaranteed him PROTECTION from his enemies in the time of trouble.

Let us pray today that the David’s priorities become our own!