Scripture Focus: 1 Chronicles 16
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! —1 Chronicles 16:11, ESV
The English Standard Version adds an exclamation point to the end of this sentence, underscoring the intensity of this exhortation. Seeking God is not a suggestion or a helpful hint for believers to follow. It is a command.
Although this verse contains the English word “seek” twice, the Hebrew language, in which this verse was first recorded, uses two different words. The first word translated “seek” has to do with rational, cognitive inquiry, while the second word suggests begging, pursuing, desiring, or pleading.
This command is one we should be wholeheartedly running to obey, eagerly and intentionally pursuing a relationship with God. Psalm 16:11 tells us that “fullness of joy” is found in God’s presence. If this is true (and it is), then why would we do anything but seek His presence?
In Seeking Him (a 12-week study on personal revival), Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Tim Grissom write, “God wants to reveal Himself to you; He wants to fill your heart with Himself; He wants to set you free from every unholy passion; He wants you to drink deeply of the joys found in His presence; He wants your service for Him to be the overflow of genuine love and an authentic life; He wants you to be a reflector of His glory in our dark world. He wants you—and His entire church—to be revived!”*
So, if God’s presence is as delightful as this sounds, why are so few actually seeking Him?
Perhaps one reason is that they’ve only “nibbled” around the edges of a relationship with God, taking a crumb here and there, sipping a drop of His presence occasionally, but they’ve never really tasted deeply of Him! “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!” (Psalm 34:8, ESV).
Another reason might be that they are hiding, as Adam and Eve did after they sinned. When we’re more comfortable “hiding” in the dark than walking in the light, we’re not motivated to pursue Him.
Is there anything keeping you from seeking Him? Don’t settle for less than the “times of refreshing” (Acts 3:20) and “fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11) to be found in His presence!
Take Time to Reflect
Are you “nibbling” at the things of God or tasting deeply of the spiritual feast He has prepared for you? Ask Him to increase your appetite for His presence.
First Chronicles 16 contains the psalm of thanksgiving that was to be sung as the ark entered the tent that David had prepared for it. You may recognize familiar words, as several psalms are blended together in this one (Psalms 105, 96, 136, and 106). Use the psalm in 1 Chronicles 16 to express your praise today.
Don’t wait to experience God’s presence—pursue Him today! Let Him speak to you through His Word. Consciously allow His Spirit to direct your thoughts and activities throughout the day. Ask Him to reveal any hidden areas of sin that might be robbing you of your appetite for Him.
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*Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Tim Grissom with Life Action Ministries, Seeking Him: Experiencing the Joy of Personal Revival (Chicago: Moody, 2004), xii.
Happy Friday! Dont forget to turn your clocks up this Sunday!