BH Bulletin - Friday 28 May 2021

​Thought for the Day by Matt Jones (Associate Minister for Music)

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.
 
Psalm 27:4
 
One of my favourite verses in the Bible. We live in a ever increasingly fast paced world. Every facet of life is becoming more efficient, which is a good thing, but also a demand that things be instant. Your food, your coffee, your wifi speed, your travel, your information, the list is endless.
 
We have so many distractions and items that scream our attention. Sometimes it can be overwhelming. No wonder a lot of people are experiencing mental health battles these days.
 
I think David had it right. David remember was King of Israel, beloved by people, an excellent soldier, musician, poet, a man who had family, an exciting backstory. As king he could have any possession that he wanted or required.
 
And yet, here we see his heart’s desire. He desires a ‘one thing’ mentality. To gaze upon the beauty of the Lord, because he has realised that there is nothing else worthy of his gaze and attention.
 
Have you ever had your gaze captivated by something? The vast ocean? A mountain range? A picture of a newborn? Something that you struggled to look away from because what you were beholding was too beautiful, too glorious to not demand your attention? Now imagine that to an infinite degree better. God is the source of beauty. He is beautiful. He is glorious to behold. 
 
I’m sure we won’t spend eternity just gazing at God, there will be a great many things he will get us to do, extending the Kingdom the universe! But in our gazing upon God we will find no other activity more fulfilling.
 
So take a moment every day to slow down, to escape from the escapism, and gaze like David did. What might that look like for us? Take half an hour to read and meditate on your Bible, pray, put on some music to help you worship, reflect on the person and work of Christ, whatever helps you to see God a bit more clearer, because He is glorious!

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Bible Handling Workshop