SEEKING AFTER GOD

Seek the Lord and His strength;

seek His face continually

Psalm 105:4

Several years ago, I gave up hero worship. There were some things I guess I had to learn the hard way. Such “people worship” is a real danger for Christians as there are speakers, leaders and authors who would love for us to fall at their feet in pure, unquestioning adoration. I do believe God brings folks into our lives who exhibit godly qualities and life styles we can learn from. However, we aren't called upon to be “followers” of theirs.

There are authors living and dead I have come to really admire and learn from. Two I'm thinking of right now who have gone on to Heaven are R.A. Torrey, a godly preacher who preached in his day like we need to be hearing in our churches today. I have several of his books and as I read from them, it's almost as if I can hear his voice.

The other author, a godly lady now in Heaven, is Corrie ten Boom. The history of World War II has always fascinated me along with human incidents resulting from that time. I was fascinated with the life of Anne Frank, but Corrie is the author of Christian books, books that have spoken to me in wonderful ways. There are times I've been encouraged by her grit and toughness and yes, her humanity and humility. Her faith was so strong in latter days that it seemed she had Jesus all to herself.

Today, I read just about everything Anne Graham Lotz writes. I have followed her life not just because of her being Billy Graham's daughter, but because of the depth of her faith. She has in recent months gone through treatments, chemo and radiation, for cancer. It would seem that such would put her on a shelf, but she made the best of the time to write and do some other things of service until able to be speaking again.

In a recent interview, I read where Anne was questioned about what was next in ministry for her. She made a statement that convicted me more than I can say. She said during that interview:

“My hearts aim all my adult life has been to be where God wants me to be. I'm pursuing Him, not ministry and I want to be where He is.”

That is such a profound statement that should be true in my life and perhaps in yours as well. I think of the times I have pursued ministry...teaching, choir, church pianist/organist, ladies ministry among them. I've done my best to do God's work well as I feel He deserves my very best, no matter what my service for Him. However, there have been times when I allowed God to get lost in it all as I engaged in all of the busyness. He waits for me (and you) to give Him some well-deserved time out of all the busyness.

I have to ask myself how much time I give in seeking God, of not just seeking position, but wanting to be who, what and where God desires of me. Am I giving as much personal time to my Heavenly Father in prayer and in His Word as I am with being busy with activity even though the activity is spiritually healthy? I know God appreciates what we do for Him, but wonder in the process if He isn't neglected by us when it comes to a more in depth relationship with Him.

As we walk closer with God, He has ways of leading us to just the right places and ways of service. As we make it a major thing in our lives to be “seekers”, it doesn't mean casual treatment of the Scriptures. It will mean time spent reading, praying through those things that convict and challenge us and allowing in unhurried ways for God to minister to us and our communing with Him.

Think of the things we seek in this life. Some things are necessary, but many are not. We are good at seeking things and even people who make us feel good. Very often, I'm afraid, God isn't even on that list.

I pray our hearts desire as God's people is that we will desire to love and seek Him in all our ways...that He might become THE priority in our lives. We live in a culture that is seeking to silence people of faith. Their efforts are becoming more and more a reality and we are going to need all the spiritual strength we can muster. God stands ready for our seekingHim.

He's always available!

I love those who love me;

And those who diligently seek

me will find me.

Proverbs 8:17

Dear Father, forgive me for doing my own thing so often, many times not even seeking your will regarding ministry. I want You to be first in my life. I want to walk with You, learn from You, and seek You in all things. I long to be closer to You in every way. I pray for Your empowering for there is nothing I can do on my own spiritually that can count for much. Thank You for Your Spirit in me and for Jesus who came and made it all possible. It's in His name I pray...Amen