Psalms 27:4-5 (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 inquire in his temple. 5 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 outlines three specific objectives for enjoying God's presence in these two verses.

• To dwell in the house of the Lord all his life.
• To behold the beauty of the Lord.
• To inquire in His temple. 

At first glance, it would appear to be a bit confusing, considering he says he only desires one thing. Upon further inspection, it becomes clear that these three items symbolize David's desire. What is that desire?

TO BE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD!

Let's take a closer look and simplify these three objectives. We can call these the ABCs of God's presence. 

1. ABIDE 
2. BEHOLD
3. COMMUNE

1. ABIDE - "...dwell in the house of the Lord..."

To be clear, David isn't advocating isolating ourselves in the church for the rest of our lives. Instead, he expresses his desire to be in God's presence continually. In other words:

BE WHERE GOD IS!

We are not required to go to a specific building to experience The Lord. That is a way but not the only way. 

John 4:19-26 (KJV) 

"19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. 21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth. 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am [he]." (emphasis mine)

Matthew 11:25-30 (KJV) 

"25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. 27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and [he] to whomsoever the Son will reveal [him]. 28 Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light." (emphasis mine)

Hebrews 4:11-16 (KJV) 

"11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (emphasis mine)

We have been given access to the presence of God through Jesus Christ. Consider further the following verses:

Romans 5:2 (KJV)

"By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (emphasis mine)

Ephesians 2:18 (KJV)

"For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." (emphasis mine)

Ephesians 3:12 (KJV)

"In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him." (emphasis mine)

We can do this through prayer, His Word, and involvement in a local body of believers. 

We can be where His presence is!

2. BEHOLD - "...to behold the beauty of the Lord..."

We should strive to be learning and experience new things about The Lord all the time. Unfortunately, many people stop their spiritual journey just after conversion. Salvation is the process that places me back on the correct road - not the destination! Too many have never matured beyond confessing Christ as Saviour.  

In Matthew eleven, verse twenty-nine, Jesus said, "learn of me." I believe Jesus is inviting us to share in the wonder that is God!

Read Ezekiel chapter 1. God gives him a vision of Heaven's throne, and it is spectacular. We should desire to "behold" His beauty.

3. COMMUNE - "...TO INQUIRE IN HIS TEMPLE..." 

David conveys the idea of abiding with God, experiencing His glory, and relating directly with Him. To inquire means to seek after and interact with Him - to commune with God. The Psalmist doesn't just want a one-sided religion. Instead, he desires to have a deep relationship with his God. 

1 Corinthians 1:9 (KJV)

"God [is] faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord."

1 John 1:3 (KJV)

"That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ."

If you want to enjoy God's glorious presence:

BE WHERE GOD IS - ABIDE

LEARN WHO GOD IS - BEHOLD

INTERACT WITH GOD - COMMUNE