Doing This One Thing 2

In our previous post we shared Paul’s determination to forget what was behind and his focus on what was ahead in Christ. It was his “one thing.”

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV

Today, we will quickly look at King David, and his heart’s posture to focus on “one thing.”

As we all know, David had his flaws, but he was one of the best kings in Israel’s history, and will be the prince over Israel eternally, under Christ (Ezekiel 34:23-24; 37:24-25).

During David’s reign, he wrote scores of heartfelt and inspirational Psalms, which were often prophetic. He also, poured out his soul in desperate longing for the God of his salvation. The center of David’s quest was to please the Lord and dwell in His Presence. We can read about this quest in Psalms 27. Here David gives us a peek at the “one thing” that always fueled his relationship with the Lord even after transgressing against Him. In this Psalm, we see the core of David’s deepest longing and passion.

David was a mighty man of war. He conquered kings and kingdoms. He built cities, and strongholds. He was respected among the nations. He had wealth, power, and prestige… yet none of it meant anything to him without the knowledge of God’s favor and eternal blessing in the glory of His Presence.

I have asked the LORD for one thing – this is what I desire! I want to live in the LORD’s house all the days of my life, so I can gaze at the splendor of the LORD and contemplate in his temple. Psalms 27:4 NET

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 enquire in his temple. Psalms 27:4 KJV

Notice David’s core desire. It was to seek the Lord, and to gaze upon His beauty, and to inquire in His temple. It was to dwell in the presence of the Lord forever and to behold the beauty of His holiness.

At times, we hear of someone giving their soul to evil or satanic rituals to gain fame or fortune. Their entire life focuses on this one pursuit. They talk and dream about this ambition. They will do whatever it takes to achieve their lust for power and fortune, even at the cost of their eternal destiny in Christ.

David had all the things of life millions of people crave… wealth, fame, power, influence, admiration, and esteem. However, he was continually pursuing the ‘one’ thing that sustained him, even while enduring harsh trials and difficulties. David often echoed this same sentiment in other psalms he wrote.

Now the question is, “What is our goal, our focus, our core desire?” Is it to make the Lord our number one quest in life, or do we just add Him to our busy schedule once in a while? Does our heart seek to please Him more than anything? If not, why? What is more important? Isn’t He worthy of our all? What has greater eternal benefits?

Le’s ask the Father to reveal anything in our heart that hinders us from walking in all He has for us and refuse to settle for a mediocre Christian life. Let us go all out for the Lord and His plan for our life!

Until next time, may God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ bless and keep you always.

James Brown

CST 01/30/2026