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 . . .
Psalm 27:4 NLT
The deer in my neighborhood seek one thing: to eat the apples on my neighbor’s tree. In order to get to the tree, they need to cross the road in front of my house. They do not hurry nor (to my knowledge) worry.
They remain in the middle of the road and stare at my car. They model focus and boldness. Characteristics I desire. Characteristics I need if I expect to enjoy the presence of Jesus all the days of my life.
Though my mind wanders and I imperfectly focus, Jesus gently brings this to my attention. He shows me that my heart is never happy when I wander away, trying to do a multitude of tasks at the same time. In his presence, I am totally satisfied and unafraid.
I am learning to do one thing at a time. That thing is to focus on him.
What about you? What or whom are you focusing on today? How satisfied do you feel?
I am doing just one thing, One thing at a time; It’s the task that God gives me, As I listen to him. In the morning, I remember To seek consultation; I need grace and wisdom Because I’m his creation. I am doing just one thing, One thing at a time; It’s the task that God gives me, As I listen to him. I return every hour; He reviews my direction And shows me quite clearly The next best selection I am doing just one thing, One thing at a time; It’s the task that God gives me, As I listen to him. In the evening, I ask him To help me review The things that I’ve done— Have I followed through? Have I done just one thing? One thing at a time? Was it the task God gave me? Or was it just mine? I, imperfectly stick to One thing at a time God gently corrects me When I’m out-of-line I am doing just one thing, One thing at a time; It’s the task that God gives me, As I listen to him. Nov 2, 2019 Jane Ault
Thank you, Jane. I am so easily distracted. I needed this encouragement to focus. Blessings to you!
You are welcome, Sandy. I apologize for not responding sooner. For some reason, I did not receive anemail notification of your comment.
I love this Jane and really needed this today. Thank you for being so sensitive to the Holy Spirit
Thank you for your comment, Crystal! I deeply appreciate your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, also.
Thank-you Jane, I’m not sure if I already send this but your message inspired me and reminded me of this Psalm 27:4
One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do 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
Amen
Deborah, you may have sent your comment earlier. I did not see it until just now. Yes, keeping the beauty of the Lord ever before my mind keeps me from heavy-heartedness in a world where there are so many reminders of ugliness.
Thank you for your gentle reminder Jane…God bless!
You are welcome, Diane.
Thank-you Jane, I needed this confirmation of my desire for clarity. This verse from the Bible came to mind after reading your poem.
Psalm 27:4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do 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.
Amen
Thank you, Deborah. I saw your second comment before this one and replied to it. I appreciate the ways you capture God’s beauty in your art.