Pre-Deciding I Need His Presence

In a world full of noise and endless distractions, we're invited to make one of the most powerful decisions we can make before the year unfolds: pre-deciding that we desperately need God's presence. Drawing from the heart of King David in the Psalms, we discover a man who, despite his failures, compromises, and painful seasons, was known as someone after God's own heart. What set David apart wasn't perfection—it was his relentless pursuit of intimacy with God. In Psalm 27:4, David declares that one thing he asks, one thing he seeks above all else, is to dwell in the house of the Lord and gaze upon His beauty. This isn't casual friendship; this is a soul-deep desperation that recognizes no amount of success, comfort, or human relationship can substitute for the presence of God. We're challenged to examine what we truly value by asking ourselves: if we could ask God for one thing, what would it be? The answer reveals the condition of our hearts. Whether we're navigating marriage struggles, parenting challenges, grief, or simply the complexity of daily life, we need to pre-decide—before emotions take over, before weariness sets in—that we will prioritize three things: God's presence, God's word, and God's church. These aren't obligations; they're lifelines. When we intentionally pursue intimacy with God through His word and His people, we position ourselves to receive the guidance, comfort, strength, and hope that only He can provide. This is our invitation to move beyond accidental spirituality and into intentional, transformative relationship with the One who satisfies every void.