It Is Always a Good Time to Seek God’s Face
Dear Friends,
I trust that God is meeting you in a special way during this difficult season in which we live for He is always a very present help in times of trouble. It seems new struggles and challenges emerge day by day and week by week. Thank God that He is a rock in the midst of these storms. When all around our soul gives way, He then is ALL our hope and stay. (Adapted from The Solid Rock.)
Blessed and Content
During the past several weeks, I have found myself experiencing a wide array of emotions. On the one hand, I am grateful for increased time at home. I am enjoying a vibrant spring, and my lawn looks great. I have had the joy of teaching math and going for long bike rides with our granddaughters (who we call the grand-girls). I have met neighbors and made new friends.
My daily prayer walks have continued unabated and have provided a steady rhythm of seeking God and rejoicing in His presence. This spring has proven to be a rich time of seeking God. Since I am not traveling, I have also used this time to complete the first draft of a new book, recorded new workshops to be used in online seminars, and have produced several short videos of family activities. In many ways, this has been a sweet season for me and my family.
Concerned and Burdened
While the sun has shone brightly on my small world, I feel the pain of our society and the feelings of helplessness and injustice. I am also conscious of the clouds looming on the horizon. I have deep concerns about our divided culture, our fragile economy, and the impact these events will have on families in the future.
As I have sought God, 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 regularly comes to my mind. I wonder if this pestilence is the fruit of our national sins of pride, unbelief, abortion, fornication, and racism. Certainly, God is fully justified in chastening our nation for these and many other transgressions.
“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Seeking His Face and Coming Into His Presence
In my study for my new book, I discovered that the expression “seek God’s face” and “come into His presence” are alternate ways of translating the same words in Hebrew. Whether in the blessed spring as we feel God’s blessings, or under the ominous clouds of an unknown future, or in finding refuge for our family, it is a good time to seek God’s face and come into His presence.
Helpless but not Hopeless
With these concerns in mind, it is a good time to seek the face of God. I do not expect my governor, the mainstream media, or anyone else who does not know God to seek Him. But I can, for I am one of God’s people who is called by His name. I have the privilege and opportunity to humble myself, pray, seek His face, and turn from my own sin in hopes that God will hear from heaven, forgive our corporate sin, and heal our land.
Finding Refuge
It is a good time to seek God and find refuge in Him. Throughout this national upheaval, I have continued to pray that God would deliver my family from evil and give us our daily bread. When I have not known how to pray for our country, I have asked God to have His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
I am remembering Psalm 91:1-7: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.”.
Principalities and Powers
I often forget that flesh and blood are not my enemies, but God gently reminds me and I have redirected my prayers to binding the strong man and resisting the principalities and powers in Jesus’ name, instead of getting upset over the actions of people.
Yet even as I seek to fight the good fight, God makes me know that He is enthroned and caring for my needs and bearing my burdens both large and small. Thanks be to God, who is working all things for our good.
Whether I am burdened or rejoicing, concerned or feeling helpless, seeking refuge, or fighting the good fight of the faith, I find renewed courage and fresh hope, as I come into His presence. It is truly a good time to seek the face of our Good and Great God and come close to Him!
New Resources for Your Home
These 20 Family Activity Videos, Develop the Habit of Daily Bible Reading, Memorize New Testament Books , Walking in the Great Outdoors, Family Traditions, Indoor Enjoyment, Camp Fires, Learn the Greek Alphabet, Backyard Bonanza, According to Their Way, The Ten Commandments, Learn Old Testament Books, Pursue Your Kids, Sing with Paul & Silas, Honor Your Mother, Take Delight in Honoring Each Other, Splendor in the Ordinary, Movie Night, Family Read Aloud, Disc Golf, Star Gazing, may be found here.
New Seminars for 2020
Raising a Special Needs Child and Finding Support for the Journey, How to Get Started Having Regular Times of Family Worship, Deepening Family Relationships Through Godly Communication, Life Lessons for Being a Supportive Husband and Faithful Dad, and Parents are Uniquely Qualified to Teach and Disciple Their Children, may be viewed here.
Sharing Hope
I was interviewed by Medishare for their broadcast on “Sharing Hope” during the pandemic. I hope this is an encouragement to you.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)
Steve