In my early years of believing in the Lord, I sought the Lord plenty. I did lots of seeking God to the best of my recollection. It was pretty simple. I sought Him for this. And I sought Him for that. I wanted, I wanted, I wanted. I asked Him. I asked Him. I asked Him. Sometimes I was polite and humble. Other times I was proud, arrogant, and demanding which is sin and must be gotten rid of, of course. But the common denominator was plain and clear. I sought God to give me what I wanted and needed. And I was missing for the most part what I believe to be the 5 most important aspects of seeking God.
First, that we seek God for His presence, for His lordship and His fellowship, for His reign in our lives, for relationship with Him, for intimacy with Him, for communing with Him, for knowing Him and being loved by Him and returning His love, for Himself and His blessedness, for His love, mercy, grace, for more of His Holy Spirit through fresh fillings, for His transforming us, for His nearness and goodness, etc.
Second, that we seek God for His will in our lives. For His will each day, for His will in our families, relationships, jobs, callings, decisions, for where we live and what we do, for every aspect of our lives, that we may live in humble and loving obedience to Him, ever striving to bring Him love, honor, praise, adoration, worship, service, obedience, and glory.
Third, that we seek God to teach us His Word, the Bible, by His Holy Spirit, and how to live by it as we spend time regularly studying, learning, growing, and being transformed, and purified by Him.
Fourth, that we seek God for His power, strength, grace, patience, absolutely all that we need He desires to provide for us through His Holy Spirit to enable us to live for Him.
Fifth, that we seek God for His forgiveness when we fall short.
I didn’t expect to write all this when I began this message. The Holy Spirit placed it upon my heart. I am greatly inspired by this message He has given me – and greatly challenged.
I once lived to love and please and honor and glorify self as this world teaches us to do. So it seemed obvious to me I should seek God for all that would please my flesh.
Now I live to love and please and honor and glorify God almighty, and my heart’s cry is to seek the Lord, His Spirit, His Word, His will, all I need to live in obedience to Him, and His forgiveness.
Friend, there is nothing wrong with praying for what we want and need WHEN IT LINES UP WITH GOD’S WILL FOR US, but let our greatest seeking be not about self but about bringing praise, honor, and glory to the Lord! AMEN!
“One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: 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.” Psalms 27:4 NKJV