This Psalm neatly summarizes the important parts of Israel’s history from Joseph through Moses. I will however focus on one “small” aspect of the introduction.
“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! 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! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered, O offspring of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones!” (v1-6)
There’s one phrase that really stands out to me: “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (v4) What does it mean to seek His presence continually, and why is that important?
– God (through Jesus) is the giver of life: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (Jn 10:10)
– God gives us purpose: “We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28)
– God is deserving of our praise: “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” (Psa 115:1)
– God created us for His glory: “Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, every one who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory. (Isa 43:6-7)
– God is glorified through us: “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace.” (Eph 1:4-6)
– God desires relationship with us: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;” (2 Cor 5:17-18)
– God literally died for us: “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8)
There are more reasons why we should seek God’s presence, though I think these are sufficient. So how do we learn to seek Him continually (ie. all day every day)? One word: practice. I’m currently reading a book entitled “The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence. I would highly recommend this book, it may be the best $8 I’ve ever spent: https://www.amazon.ca/Practice-Presence-God-Modern-English/dp/1521299757/ref=sr_1_5?crid=B2AN5VP0883S&keywords=the+practice+of+the+presence+of+god&qid=1567251796&s=books&sprefix=the+practice+of+the+presence+of+god%2Caps%2C478&sr=1-5
Is learning to remain rooted in God’s presence easy? Absolutely not – it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever attempted (and I’ve been self-employed). Is it worth the effort? Well, review a few of the reasons listed above, and I’m sure you can add a few of your own reasons. I would say it’s worth it, but you dan’t have to take my word for it – you can try it yourself.
My takeaway today is another reminder of the importance of trying to align myself with God and seek His will in my life. It’s not easy – in fact it’s seemingly impossible at times – yet it is simple. The only way to do it is to simply do it, and do it again. Perfect practice makes perfect, and a whole relationship with God is worth the investment.
Father God, thank you for the reminder that You long to be with us. You literally died for our sin in order to reconcile us to Yourself – what greater sign of love could there be? Father we praise You for Your faithfulness, and for Your graciousness with us. We often fail to fully submit ourselves to You, which is where Your grace and mercy will flourish in our lives. Father may we borrow Your strength and continue to learn and grow in how we can submit to You always. Thank you for Your patience and understanding, and for picking us up when we falter and fall. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training