I didn’t get my way. The answer was a big fat “no.” And I didn’t like it. Like a two-year-old throwing a tantrum, my mind kicked against the facts and my wounded pride screamed in my defense. I thought the fit I was pitching would push the crushing disappointment aside; it wasn’t long until the weight of the honest truth snapped me out of my emotional tirade.
I felt rejected, snubbed, less-than the others who had also applied for the same position. I questioned my calling and wondered about God’s plans and even whether or not I had been obedient to participate in the interview. The enemy whispered disturbing doubts about my gifts into my already troubled heart. “Lord, have mercy,” I prayed.
Almost immediately, I sensed the Holy Spirit’s whispers as He brought to mind the scripture I’d studied before the meetings. “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.” —Psalm 27:4
I poured out my heart and acknowledged my insecurities, overconfidence, and sin of self-promotion. Suddenly the Lord’s presence came upon me, and sweetly the Breath of Heaven reminded me of the musts I’ve got to have. These have to be in place.
I must ask Him.
Jesus wants us to bring our requests to Him. “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” —Luke 11:9
I must seek Him.
Jesus wants us to pursue Him and desire His will more than our own. “But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” —Matthew 6:33
I must abide in Him.
Jesus wants us to depend totally and completely on His strength. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” —John 15:5
I must keep my eyes on Him.
Jesus wants to capture our honest attention to fulfill His best intention for us. “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do but our eyes are upon you.” —2 Chronicles 20:12
I must remain in His presence.
Jesus wants us to worship Him, to glorify Him, to praise Him before, during, and after the enemy attack. The Reformation Study Bible says that “the house of the Lord in Psalm 27:4 is the place where God’s presence is manifest is a place of sanctuary from the enemy.”
“Jehosaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” —2 Chronicles 20:21
I must do one thing and one thing only. And that is to praise our Great God. It’s must or bust. “One thing I ask from the Lord, tis only I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.” —Psalm 27:4
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