The One Thing

According to a recent study by Smart Growth America, pedestrian fatalities are at a 30-year high. The main reason for this increase is distracted driving. Most people believe they are pretty good at multitasking. We think we can text, talk on the phone, and drive at the same time. This delusion has made it much more dangerous to cross the street. Sometimes we need to focus on what is most important.

Throughout the Psalms, David is honest in his description of the trials and difficulties of life. In Psalm 27, he talks about enemies, hostile armies, war, oppression, and false accusers. When trials come, it can be easy to be distracted by them. We naturally hustle to put out this fire or that fire. We notice threats coming at us from different quarters and try to meet them. Yet, David reminds us that only one thing is really necessary.

David declares that his one passion is not to defeat his enemy or silence the false accuser, as great as those things would be. Instead, he says, “One thing I ask from the Lord​, and this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord​ all the days of my life” (v. 4). Most of all, he desires intimacy with the Father. He longs to be in God’s presence where there is safety, protection, and joy (vv. 5–6).

Time in the presence of God allows David to meet his trials with the proper perspective. He knows there is no person or situation that he needs to fear because God is with him (v. 1). Confident that God will hear his cries for help, David is able to “be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord​” (v. 14).

Pray with Us

Moody’s chief financial officer, Ken Heulitt, oversees Moody’s finances, coming from donors from all over the country and even from abroad. Will you pray for enduring discernment in Ken’s trusted leadership role at MBI?

BY Ryan Cook

Dr. Ryan Cook has taught at Moody Bible Institute since 2012. He earned his bachelor of arts in Bible and Theology from Moody and his master of arts in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has worked in Christian education and served as a pastor in Michigan for seven years. During his time as a professor at Moody, he earned his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He now lives with his wife, Ashley, and their three children in the Chicagoland area.