THE THING

In the hectic pace of daily life, we often find ourselves engulfed by a multitude of distractions, including endless to-do lists, social media scrolls, and fleeting ambitions. But what if there was just the "one thing" that could anchor us, something worth chasing above all else? The Bible speaks to this idea in profound ways, particularly in two verses that have resonated with believers for centuries. Psalm 27:4 declares, "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 inquire in his temple." Meanwhile, in Philippians 3:12-13, the Apostle Paul reflects, "Not as though I had already attained, or were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before." David's words point to "the thing," that singular focus on God's presence and purpose that can transform how we live.

David's heartfelt cry in Psalm 27 was written amid trials and enemies closing in around him. This psalm wasn't about asking for riches, power, or even victory in battle. Instead, he boils it down to "one thing," which was dwelling in the house of the Lord. It's not just about a physical location, though the temple represented God's dwelling place, but a deep, abiding intimacy with God. He wants to "behold the beauty of the Lord" and "enquire in his temple," which speaks to worship, contemplation, and seeking divine wisdom.

Imagine David, the warrior king, prioritizing spiritual communion over worldly success. In a world that bombards us with "must-haves," this is a radical shift. What if our primary pursuit was simply being with God? We should seek God not for what He can offer us, but for who He is. Time spent seeking the "face" of God instead of the "hand" of God. This "one thing" becomes a compass, guiding decisions and calming fears. It's about a lifelong dwelling, not a fleeting visit, echoing an eternal perspective that outlasts temporary troubles.

A peek into the New Testament gives us a glimpse into that same drive for the "one thing," where Paul picks up a similar thread but adds a layer of humility. In Philippians 3, Paul has every reason to boast about his pedigree, zeal, and accomplishments as a Pharisee. Yet he counts it all as loss compared to the knowledge of Christ. He admits, "I have not yet apprehended," acknowledging that spiritual maturity isn't a done deal; rather, it's an ongoing chase.

The one thing Paul does is forget the past and reach for what's ahead. The word "apprehend" implies grasping or laying hold of something, like Jesus "apprehended" Paul on the road to Damascus for a divine purpose. Although Paul hasn't fully grasped this calling yet, he is fully committed to its pursuit. It's a call to resilience. It's a call to let go of regrets, failures, or even successes that hold us back, and instead strive towards the prize of Christ's upward call.

Connecting the dots, both David and Paul highlight a focused life. David's "one thing" is presence; Paul's is progress. Together, they remind us that seeking God isn't passive. It's an active, lifelong endeavor filled with grace for the journey.

This pursuit of "the one thing" often reveals itself early in life, shaping our deepest aspirations. Think about how most boys dream of growing up to be astronauts, policemen, or firemen, all roles filled with adventure, heroism, and exploration that capture the imagination. Yet, in contrast, some hearts are drawn to quieter, more relational callings rooted in faith. For instance, my wife once shared that when she was a little girl, she dreamed of becoming a preacher's wife. It's a beautiful example of how "the one thing" can manifest as a desire for divine connection and purpose, even in childhood. While societal dreams often chase excitement or status, this aspiration echoes David's longing to dwell in God's house, prioritizing eternal significance over fleeting thrills. Our early dreams, whether bold or humble, can point us toward that singular focus if we let them guide us back to seeking Him first.

If you're feeling scattered, try this: Write down your "one thing." Is it a deeper faith? Healing relationships? Serving others? May your journey be marked by His presence and purpose. What's your "one thing" today? Share in the comments. I'd love to hear.