One thing have I asked 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 gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.
For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will lift me high upon a rock.
Psalm 27:4-5 (ESV)
As I meditate on Psalm 27:4-5, I am aware that the psalmist, like me, not only desires, but is seeking holiness–something that only comes from God. Holiness cannot be summoned up or acquired through human effort. It is best understood to be transferred from the holy One, God Himself. To be near God–in His presence–is to have the best chance at holiness.
The psalmist also seeks to see God and inquire of God which speaks to me of communion, of fellowship with God. This also takes place in God’s presence. For the Israelite this would have meant being in the Tabernacle or the Temple where the glory of God resided in ancient Israel.
In Psalm 27:5, the psalmist goes on to speak of the protection of Adonai who “will hide me in the day of trouble.” Then, in what is beautifully intimate imagery, the psalmist says that God “will conceal me under the cover of his tent.” To be in His tent suggest being part of his family, is to be no longer a stranger, no longer alien to the household of God. The final image of the verse is one of protection. “He will lift me high upon a rock,” out of the way of trouble, far from the reach of my adversaries and enemies.
Who is like our God? Only God can extend intimacy to me–intimacy cannot be grabbed for or taken; it must be given, opened to me. Like the psalmist, I desire intimacy with God. To see Him, to be with Him, to speak with Him, to be hidden by Him, to be taken into His family and to be protected by Him. Thank You, Abba, for this offer of intimacy you make to me through the sacrifice of Messiah.
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