Seeking

I spoke in chapel at Piedmont this week and have been so moved by what God laid on my heart that I feel I must share it with more of you. In preparation for chapel, I always pray for wisdom and the words that God wishes to share through me with those students. I was struggling with the message this time. I spent hours searching through ideas and lessons online, seeking inspiration. Monday evening I passed up two different events to stay home and work on the lesson, but at six o’clock I received a phone call that changed my plans. Knowing I would now be spending my evening in the waiting room at Patient First, I grabbed a word search book and headed out the door. While I searched for random words, I continued praying, asking God to reveal to me what it was He wanted me to say. And He did. The message He had for me was about seeking – the process He has for getting us where He wants us to be! It was amazing! I smiled thinking about how clever He was, having me experience the message first hand!

Even though I know the definition for the word “seek”, I investigated it a bit further. To seek is to search for something. And searching involves a thorough examination, a careful look. Examining is studying the details. And part of studying is taking time to consider. I dug into His Word to find what it is He wants us to seek, to examine, to study and consider.

the Lord Almighty (Zech 8:22), humility (Zeph 2:3), righteousness (Zeph 2:3), instruction (Malachi 2:7), His Kingdom (Matt 6:33), justice (Isaiah 1:17), truth (Jer 5:1), peace (Jer 29:7), His face (Psalm 105:4), refuge in God (Prov 14:32), advice (Prov 20:18), counsel (2 Chron 18:4), favor (Psalm 45:12), Him earnestly (Job 8:4-6), help from the Lord (Is 31:1), His glory (John 7:18), to do good (Romans 2:6-7)

And our seeking will not be in vain. If we seek Him - we will find Him; He will hear us, forgive us and heal us; He will restore us; we will receive blessings; He will keep us safe; He will hide us in the shelter of His sacred tent; He will set us upon a rock; we will lack no good thing; we will be satisfied; our hearts will live; we will rejoice and be glad; we will be blessed; we will receive knowledge and guidance; we will find a resting place; prosperity; showers of righteousness; truth; and eternal life.

It’s just like my word search. Completing the puzzle is a process. There are words that must be sought out – one at a time. Some are easily found, while others are more obscure. There are even times when I have to put down the puzzle incomplete. But often, when I return and see the puzzle in a new light, the word is revealed.

There are so many answers we seek in this life. Matthew 6:33 tells us exactly where to start. Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Seek Him first. Examine and study His Word. Spend time with Him in prayer, listening and considering His will. Practice seeking.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. Jeremiah 29:11-14a