The house of the Lord
The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music. Psalm 27:4-6
The phrase “house of the Lord” or “house of God” is prominent in the Book of Psalms. The usual use of the phrase refers to the actual temple in Jerusalem. The Lord’s presence was in the temple’s holy place where the Shekinah glory of the Lord dwelled. The high priest will go to the holy of holies once a year to represent the people. Yet metaphorically, the phrase refers to the spiritual presence of the Lord in the life of the believer. This was what David was expressing from the text. His desire was to experience the presence of God continually. He knew that having this constant experience of God’s presence in his life will help him deal with whatever circumstances he will be going through. The presence of God will also provide him guidance and wisdom as he confronts the challenges in life. God’s presence will help him overcome even the tactics of the enemy. The presence of God will give him joy that will lead him to offer Him sacrifices of praise. This is what every believer should seek in their lives. This is not an aspiration that is difficult to attain. God promised that His presence will indwell every believer through the Holy Spirit. “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19) Since God indwells those who trusted Him as Lord and Savior, it is imperative to always seek His working and leading in one’s life. Just like the Psalmist, realize that it is wonderful “to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days” of your life. But this is not all what the phrase “house of the Lord” means. David looked forward to this glorious presence for eternity when he said this; “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6). Delight in His presence as you dwell in the house of the Lord.
Blessings.
