The one thing I want from God, the thing I seek most of all, is the privilege of meditating in his Temple, living in his presence every day of my life,

delighting in his incomparable perfections and glory.

There I’ll be when troubles come. He will hide me. He will set me on a high rock. 

Psalm 27:4-5 (TLB)

Every so often in this life, we are confronted with the unexpected. We get knocked upside the head with things that we do not want and did not plan. Hard things we used to see only in other people’s lives, become our new normal, and there is no escape. Suffering is not a unique experience. It is not limited to only a few. It may be due to physical pain, emotional turmoil, or both. It can come from a scary diagnosis or from intrusive thoughts that consume our peace. It can be the result of betrayal, bullying, devastating loss, discrimination, or any number of other unwanted, unexpected experiences.

We are pre-wired for the perfection and joy of heaven, not the suffering and struggle of this world. But that very truth is what reminds us to look to heaven, to fix our eyes on Jesus and know that He is with us…always. In this psalm, David reveals his greatest desire: God! He did not ask for comfort or ease, riches or glory; he asked for more of God! Because when we are sitting in the muddiest, messiest places in this life, what our hearts are truly craving is more of God’s riches and God’s glory. Jesus doesn’t wait until we are sitting in the hardest places to show up, but those are the times we notice Him. That’s when we cry out to Him, at our lowest, and He’s already right there getting muddy with us. 

What David desired most was the privilege, the presence, and the glory of God. What is the thing you desire most? At this very moment, God is in you, for you, and with you! He is aware of everything you are facing, every pain you are feeling, and every circumstance you are dreading. God’s wisdom will guide you and HIS love will protect you. You just need to make sure you are following the right god. If you keep your eyes fixed on your fears, that god won’t calm you. If you keep your eyes locked on your misery, that god won’t offer comfort. Let your struggles draw you close to Jesus. Let them remind you of HIS love and give you a new perspective. Rather than looking down at every struggle you face, look up at the only help you need: Jesus! He will pluck out of all that mud and set you on a high rock. You are loved!