Seeking God's Presence 1 Chronicles 16:11 Series

Seeking God's Presence 1 Chronicles 16:11

Introduction:

Today, we explore the profound invitation to seek God's presence as outlined in 1 Chronicles 16:11. This verse serves as a guiding principle for our spiritual journey, urging us to pursue intimacy with God above all else.

1 Chronicles 16:11 (NLT): "Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him."

In 1 Chronicles 16:11, we encounter King David's exhortation to the people of Israel. He encourages them to actively seek the Lord and His strength, emphasising the importance of continuous pursuit. This verse underscores the relational aspect of faith—the ongoing journey of seeking and experiencing God's presence in our lives.

"Seek God. Not happiness. Not peace. Not success. Seek God." – Unknown

Point 1: The Call to Search for the Lord

The first aspect of this verse calls us to search for the Lord diligently. This search is not passive but requires intentional effort on our part. Seeking God involves a desire to know Him more deeply, to commune with Him in prayer, and to study His Word.

Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT): "If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."

Jeremiah 29:13 captures a profound invitation from God to His people. In this verse, God promises that those who seek Him with their whole heart will indeed find Him. The key theme here is wholehearted pursuit—a sincere and earnest desire to know and encounter God.

This verse was part of a letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent to the exiled Israelites in Babylon. Despite their circumstances, God encouraged them to seek Him diligently. The promise held out in Jeremiah's words is one of divine accessibility and responsiveness. God assures His people that He is approachable and eager to be found by those who earnestly seek Him.

The phrase "wholeheartedly" signifies an undivided and genuine pursuit. It implies a level of commitment that involves the entirety of one's being—mind, heart, and soul. This kind of seeking requires prioritisation and devotion, reflecting a deep hunger for God's presence and guidance.

Jeremiah's message emphasises the relational aspect of seeking God. It underscores the truth that God desires intimate communion with His people and responds to those who earnestly seek Him. The promise of finding God is not conditional on outward actions alone but on the condition of the heart.

"To seek God does not narrow one's life but brings it to its true fulfillment." — Thomas Merton

Let us respond to Jeremiah 29:13 by embracing a lifestyle of wholehearted seeking. May we draw near to God with sincerity and expectancy, confident that He will reveal Himself to us in deeper and more meaningful ways.

Seek God Diligently: Make seeking God a priority in your daily life. Set aside time for prayer, worship, and reading His Word.

Be Persistent: Pursue God with perseverance and determination, trusting in His promise to be found by those who seek Him.

Open Your Heart: Approach God with honesty and transparency, allowing Him to work in every area of your life.

Call to Action:

Psalm 27:8 (NLT): "My heart has heard you say, 'Come and talk with me.' And my heart responds, 'Lord, I am coming.'"

Psalm 27:8 portrays a beautiful dialogue between the psalmist and God, revealing a tender invitation and a heartfelt response. The verse conveys a deep longing for intimacy with God and a willing readiness to engage in communion with Him.

In this verse, God extends a personal invitation to the psalmist, saying, "Come and talk with me." This invitation is not merely a call to speak words, but an invitation to fellowship and relationship. The psalmist's heart responds eagerly, expressing a profound desire to draw near to God and commune with Him.

The phrase "Come and talk with me" signifies God's desire for relational connection with His people. It reflects His openness and accessibility to those who seek Him. God initiates the conversation, inviting the psalmist into His presence for dialogue and communion.

The psalmist's response, "Lord, I am coming," reveals a posture of humility, readiness, and submission. It reflects a heart that is responsive to God's invitation, eager to engage in intimate communication and fellowship. This response embodies the essence of genuine worship and devotion.

"To pray is to change. It's the central avenue God uses to transform us." — Richard J. Foster

Let us echo the psalmist's response in Psalm 27:8, committing ourselves to seek God's presence earnestly and respond to His invitation to intimate fellowship. May our hearts continually resonate with the desire to draw near to God and experience the transformative power of communion with Him.

Embrace God's Invitation: Respond to God's call to intimacy by setting aside time for prayer and quiet reflection in His presence.

Cultivate a Listening Heart: Listen attentively to God's voice through His Word and in moments of prayer, allowing Him to speak into your life.