Read

Psalm 27-32

Think

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."

Popular advice to help relieve stress and anxiety in our lives is to take a moment and mentally go to your "happy place." For some, that could be a beautiful beach watching the waves washing onto the sand. For others, it could be a quaint cabin on a mountainside, listening to birds and the sound of a nearby stream. Whatever that place is, it brings a sense of peace in the midst of chaos.

In many of the Psalms written by David, he is also seeking peace in the midst of stress. However, instead of seeking it in nature, David sought peace in the House of One who created nature. He knew that the true soul contentment he needed - his happy place - could only be found in the presence of God.

The world we live in seems to chase peace in everything but God's presence. And though satisfaction or calm may be evident for a while, reality returns along with the stressors and anxieties that caused the chaos in the first place. Perhaps it's time to borrow David's happy place and make it yours. Come experience the peace of being in the House of The Lord. Experience His presence as you worship Him alongside others. The peace only He can bring is lasting - a shield against life's pressures and storms.

Pray

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the peace that only You can give. Help me always to remember to turn to You first when life's stressors close in on me. I'm ready to experience Your presence in Your house and as I go through my day. In Jesus' name, Amen.