What Are You Seeking?
August 01, 2023
What Are You Seeking?
By Brooke Holt
“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” Psalm 105:4
On what are you focused today? As we begin the month of August, are you focused on getting kids or yourself back to school? That task can consume much of your time! Are you focused on your career or your health? Maybe you have a more exciting focus at this point and are captivated with an upcoming vacation. You already know a myriad of things in this world vie for your attention and focus. This important question merits consideration, because where you focus takes precedence in your heart, mind, and actions.
In this portion of Psalm 105, the writer asks you to look away from your to-do list, away from the busyness of life, and to put your heart and mind on the Lord. All those events in your life matter (and most of them are good things); however, seeking the Lord is to take precedence over everything and everyone. The Lord, the creator and sustainer of your life, alone has called you out of darkness into his light; he has provided grace to cover all your sin; the Lord has set his love upon you; he is above all on earth and in heaven.
Read these encouraging works spoken through the prophet Jeremiah, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). God wants to be found by you! Are you seeking him? Are you making him the main priority of your life? The Lord designed you to function with him at the center of your being, not as an afterthought or someone on whom you occasionally place your attention. The psalmist says to “seek his presence continually” (v.5). Is it possible to seek the Lord continually, and if so, how would you do it?
Making the Lord the priority of your life does not just happen. It takes intentionality, focus, and determination. For me, it means I set my alarm for 5:00 am each morning so I have time to read my Bible, to pray, and to do devotional reading. Otherwise, I would race off to Pickleball first thing and that would become my focus. By setting aside time first thing in the morning, I begin my day with the Lord as my priority. My prayer and intention are then to keep my focus on him throughout the day whether I am on the pickleball court, working, cooking, doing household chores, spending time with people, etc. Wherever I am, whatever I do, I want to keep the Lord front and center.
What about you? How do you prioritize your relationship with the Lord? Are you able to keep him at the center of your family, work, hobbies, and social interaction? If not, you may need to realign some things to create more quality time with God (and no it does not have to be at 5:00 am). The important action is prioritizing God.
As you focus on the Lord, everything in your life will fall into proper order. It will still require intentionality, but as you practice seeking the Lord, you will find strength for the journey. The Lord delights in your focus, and he delights in equipping you for every good work whether in your home, your work, or even on the Pickleball court!
Reflection:
Take time today to consider what you are seeking in this world. Is it the Lord or something of this world? Make any adjustments needed to put God back at the center of your life. You will be blessed in this world and then the one to come. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Recommended Resource:
Our honest prayer before God is evidence that we understand the ways He loves, cherishes, sees, and hears us. Through prayer, we can acknowledge with Hagar, “You are the living One who sees me” (Genesis 16:14). When we pray, we are affirming the same. Why do we often hide from this privilege? Why do we avoid God, the One who sees us as we are and stands ready to provide and answer us in his holy, timely way? In this 8-week study on the prayers of Job, Ruth, Hannah, and David, grow your prayer life by facing your honest need and bringing your whole self before God. Acknowledging God as the One who guides your path can change your heart. It can take you past fear and into faith, strength, and hope. Learn more about Honest Prayer.
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