One Thing!

The Lord promised us, 2021 as a year of ‘Rest & Satisfaction’. As we continue to focus on His promise, I invite your attention to a word that depicts the absence of Rest, which is ‘Restlessness’.  The Cambridge dictionary defines the word Restlessness as, ‘the quality of being unwilling or unable to stay still or to be quiet and calm, because you are worried or bored’. This state of restlessness is not just limited to toddlers and children, but we see it increasing across all age groups in the present times. We are concerned in both ways – with what is happening and what is not!  

The advent of social media along with other forms of online content has opened the floodgates of information. This deluge of information which probably is in excess for our lifetime to grasp is resulting in shorter attention span. Quite often we flip from one content to another lacking the patience to read an article or listen to a message completely. We are unknowingly being conformed (or shaped) by the patterns of this world, as against the scripture, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world” Romans 12:2.

Restlessness surfaces when we are either focused on the wrong things or are not focused on anything. There are many things that are vying for our attention. The Scriptures reiterates the phrase, “One Thing” to invoke our attention to it. When we position our eyes on the “One Thing”, we find our place in God. There we begin to see the unfolding of God’s plan in our lives. 

Let us look at what the Word of God asks us to focus as “One Thing “.

Pursuing His Presence 

King David was clear about his One Thing! Psalms 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.” This scripture portion is found between verses that talks about, “though war break out against me” (vs 3) and “for in the day of trouble” (vs 5). David knew in the middle of all that life can bring upon him. The ‘one thing’ that made a difference in his life is experiencing the presence of God and seeking God’s face. He decided this is the one thing he would grip onto. Even in midst of our battles, God’s presence is the place where we find true rest for our soul – “Truly my soul finds rest in God…”, Psalms 62:1.

Placing your Trust

In Psalms 62, the author tries to draw our attention to the one thing – to put our unwavering Trust in God’s Word and nature. The Psalmist states, it is better to avoid the ways of the world or “worldliness”. He points at two kinds of people – schemers and hoarders. Schemers are hypocrites – they say one thing while their actions speak differently. The hoarders find their security in riches, never stopping to gather more by any means. The Psalmist waits upon God while in the middle schemers and hoarders. He hears God speak to him about one thing. Psalms 62: 11-12, “One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, 12 and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and “You reward everyone according to what they have done.””

God spoke one thing and the Psalmist understood two things:

1. a) That God has the final say – He is Sovereign. He has a final say in our life and eternity.
2. b) God’s nature of Him being a righteous rewarder. He will bring change; He will reward them that diligently seek Him.

David wrote this in the middle of strong opposition, fears within and enemies around. David heard the voice of God encouraging him to Trust in God’s spoken Word. He found rest in that Word. Let us also, like David, trust and find rest in the Word, God has spoken to us.

Being Ready to Give up! –  

Jesus looked at the rich young ruler ready to follow Him and said, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Mark 10:21. The rich young ruler had everything, but he lacked the ‘One Thing’! There is always something that God is asking us to give up to walk with Him. What is holding you back from following Him in this season of your life? Is it your comforts, your addictions, your emotional challenges, your family, your need for security or your need for acceptance? God in His omniscience sees what stands between us and our destiny. He calls out that “One Thing” we need to deal with. Is the Lord speaking to you about something you need to deal with or give up? If so, are you willing to give up that ‘one thing’?

Going after Your call – 

One thing that stops us from fulfilling our call is, we are weighed down by our past failures or mistakes. The enemy uses our past failures to discourage and deviate us from pursuing the call or vision God has given us. Paul reminds us to do one thing, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” Phil 3:13. Paul is reminding us to press on for what is ahead and focus on the vision God has given us.

So dear friends, what is your One Thing for this season!?

When you settle in what matters for eternity and the Kingdom of God, you will move from being Restless to a place of inner rest and satisfaction. This rest will cause you to fulfil your destiny, do not let the season steal your destiny. Your time with the Lord is powerful, do not let any circumstance cause you to neglect or compromise it. Trust in Him even when you doubt, hold onto His promise when you want to give up. 

As a nation we are dealing with another wave of pandemic. Leading many to despair but for us we have an undying hope. Whether we are here in our body or with Lord, we are at gain. While we are here, I want you to assure you that you are protected. The promises of the Lord are yes and amen in your life. He has called you. He has set you apart for a glory that is yet to be revealed. So let us run the race with endurance, knowing that we will find satisfaction and rest in obeying His call.