One Thing I Desire

August 31, 2025

Sunday Sermon Notes

Pastor Derk Adams

Psalm 27:4 (KJV)

“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.”

Introduction

Saints, we live in a world of many things. Many voices, many distractions, many

responsibilities, and many troubles. Some are chasing wealth. Others are chasing fame.

Some are consumed with fear, others with survival.

But David narrows life down to one thing. He doesn’t say, “Ten things I’ve desired,” or

“Many things I’m after.” He says, “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I

seek after.”

This is powerful because David was a man with many roles:

- He was a warrior who fought giants.

- He was a king who ruled Israel.

- He was a father who raised a family.

- He was a leader who carried great responsibility.

And yet, with all that life demanded from him, his greatest pursuit was not the throne, not

the battlefield, not the applause of men — but the presence of God.

This is the heart that will set the church on fire today: not more of the world, but more of

God. Not chasing things, but chasing the One who is everything.

Background on the Text

Psalm 27 as a whole is a psalm of trust, confidence, and longing for God. In verses 1–3,

David boldly declares God as his light, salvation, and strength. He testifies,

“Though an host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear.”

David’s confidence is rooted in God’s protection. But in verse 4, we see a shift. David doesn’t just want God’s power — he wants God’s presence. His desire is not just to be delivered from enemies, but to dwell with God daily.

This is significant because David wrote this psalm in a time of trouble. Some scholars

believe it was during his flight from Saul, when he was hiding in the wilderness, cut off

from the house of God. Others say it may have been during Absalom’s rebellion when his

own son tried to overthrow him. Either way, David was surrounded by danger, betrayal,

and uncertainty.

Yet in the midst of all that, David says, “One thing I want — I want God’s presence. I

want to dwell in His house, behold His beauty, and seek Him in His temple.”

This shows us something important:

- The presence of God is greater than the absence of trouble.

- Peace is not the absence of enemies, but the presence of God.

- Victory is not just surviving the battle, but staying close to God in the battle.

David longed for God’s presence above safety, success, or strength. And that same desire

is what will carry us today.

Psalm 16:11 (KJV)

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand

there are pleasures for evermore.”

Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall

be added unto you.”

Key Points

1. Desire His Presence Above All Else

Psalm 27:4 (KJV)

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after…”

David’s one desire was to pursue God. His heart longed for the presence of the Lord

more than power, victory, or possessions.

Application:

True revival begins when God’s people hunger more for Him than for

anything else.

2. Dwell in His House for Strength and Safety

Psalm 27:5 (KJV)

“For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his

tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.”

David knew that in the presence of God there was security. God’s house represented a

place of covering, safety, and stability.

Application:

The safest place you can ever be is not in man’s protection, but in God’s

presence.

3. Delight in His Beauty and His Word

Psalm 27:4 (KJV)

“…to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.”

David longed to see God’s beauty and seek His wisdom. He knew that in God’s presence,

there is revelation, joy, and peace.

Application:

Shift your focus from the chaos around you to the beauty of the Lord, and

you will find strength.

Plea

Beloved, David had many enemies, many battles, and many responsibilities, but he

narrowed his life to one pursuit: “One thing have I desired of the LORD.”

Desire His presence above everything else.

Dwell in His house and you will find safety.

Delight in His beauty and you will find peace.

Lift your hands and declare today:

“Lord, You are my one thing — my desire, my

dwelling place, and my delight!”

When the church returns to that “one thing,” the house will catch fire with worship, faith

will rise, and victory will be released!