03/17/2018
Do you seek the will of God in everything that you do? No? Then how often do you ask the Lord what He would have you do? We are inclined to wake up in the morning, get dressed, and go about our daily duties as we see fit while either assuming we are within God’s will, or not giving it a second thought. However, this is not what He would have us do.
“Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
Psalms 105:3-4 ESV
Family dynamics today are not what they were years ago. Family members used to remain geographically close to one another so that they could help each other, but in modern times that isn’t the case. Today we become scattered, and although brothers and sisters still share love, they seldom have any idea what is actually going on in their sibling’s daily lives... that is unless difficulty arises. When trouble comes, then the phone is likely to ring, but how often could this trouble have been avoided had they lived where a relative could have seen that issue coming on the horizon?
The same is true in our relationship with God. When we distance ourselves from Him, and don’t seek His counsel and will daily, then we will face trouble, but if we live close, and ask Him to reveal His will for us then He will steer us away from harm.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:11-13 ESV
Praying for God to reveal His will and desire for us isn’t something we should do on occasion, or during some quarterly planning meeting, but every single day, and all through the day. Forks in the road come upon us quickly, and if we are not prepared for them then it is very likely that we will take the wrong turn. To seek out God in this manner requires us to structure our lives around prayer, and to humble ourselves as we place Him in control of our life.
“Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
1 Chronicles 16:10-11 ESV
So if we pray, and if we listen for His voice always, then He will lead us through the hardships that are like snares and pitfalls before us. If we seek His desire for us, and trust in Jesus Christ who has redeemed us and never wavered from His Father’s will, then our steps will be certain. If we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our prayers and speak for us when we are at a loss for words, then God will answer, and show us His good and loving will. This is God’s desire in our lives, that He be our pathfinder, our scout, our navigator, our captain, and that we trust and obey Him always.
“But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.”
Psalms 103:17-18 ESV
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for having a plan for my life, and I pray to hear your will for each and every day and occurrence in it. You lead me in paths of righteousness, you restore my soul, and your will guides my steps always. Holy Father, you are loving and good. My faith rests in you, and my trust is in your Word as it directs me. Holy Spirit lead me in prayer; keep them on my lips always, and make my hearing keen as I listen to the Lord’s voice. Jesus, you are my savior, and my Intercessor before the Father, and I pray that you find me humbly awaiting His Word. I look to you Lord, and lift up your life of service to our Father’s will as my example. Great is our God, who hears our prayers, and speaks His good will into our lives. Merciful Father hear me today, and provide for me as I follow your perfect will. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you Father, my Lord.
Rich Forbes