What Do You Want Out of Life?

What's the "one thing" you want out of life? We all want something; some achievement or milestone that stands out in our minds:

• To fulfill a childhood dream

• To work in a certain career

• To find a spouse or an ideal family

Many of us look at this "one thing" as the answer to all of our problems and the hope for all of our joy. But consider someone who has achieved something similar to what you're hoping for. The question you have to ask is whether or not that person's accomplishments have brought real security.

David recognized that he could only find security through the presence of God. No human achievement, level of morality, or power-grab can deliver true security. Therefore, David decided to ask God for the one thing that would keep him secure: David wanted to dwell in God's presence. He wanted to be in a relationship with God so that he could gaze upon God's beauty.

When we ask for that same thing, we submit to the opportunity to live under God's grace. His beauty is the representation of His character, which is full of mercy and forgiveness. We all need shelter, and that's exactly what God provides to those who will trust in Him.

To give us this "one thing" we truly need-a home in God's presence-is why Jesus came to earth in the flesh. Jesus has done everything for our salvation and has given us everything we need to experience freedom from fear, confidence in victory over our enemies, and security through His presence.

That calls for one response from us: grateful and joyful worship.

This article is excerpted from Storm Shelter: God's Embrace in the Psalms, from the Bible Studies for Life series. Read a full session sample of the study.

Watch this video about the Bible study, Storm Shelter: God's Embrace in the Psalms.