Seek Him

Our latest post revealed the benefits of waiting on God in stillness. We carefully studied the transforming power of hearing his voice, in his presence.  It was the wisdom received, that strengthened Daniel.  Yet, just prior to being able to receive this wisdom, Daniel had to set himself to seek the Lord.  

And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: (Daniel 9:3 KJV)

 

Notice the wording, set and to seek by.  Here, uncovered to us, is the method, or aides, Daniel used to set himself unto the Lord.  Prayer and supplications (earnest begging), with fasting and sackcloth, and ashes, are utilized as aides, to set the heart and mind into focus in order to be able to receive the expected.  These aides also put us in a position of submission and humility before God. It prepares, or “makes ready”, our attention to him, by setting still any other pressing need, or task at hand.  I really like how the book of Acts describes a group of people called the Bareans, of whom Paul and Silas were ministering to

…they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily… (Acts 17:11 KJV)

 

So it is this way, the environment is set, tuning the ears of the heart to receive wisdom and understanding.  Returning back to Daniel chapter 9, where a praying Daniel is seeking God, 

…while I was speaking in prayer…the man Gabriel…touched me…. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said…I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding …At the beginning of thy supplications, the commandment came forth, and I come to show thee…therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. (Da. 9:21-23 KJV)

 

take note: verses 3-21 is a detailed, sincere, heart prayer 

Daniel was given divine revelation and instruction in a manifest (visable) way. He was also given a glimpse of what actually occurs in spiritual realm, by a vision of the messenger that brought him the newly acquired understanding.  When seeking the Lord in his presence, it is likely that you won’t have the ability to see the spiritual world entirely as Daniel did, but you can hear him with your heart.  

 

In the book of Job is found a dialog conversation on the exceeding greatness of God’s wisdom and what it does to the one who hears it, 

  

… if only God would speak…

…and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom…

… Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty?  They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? …Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.

…As for you, if you direct your heart and lift up your hands to Him…

 

 …then indeed you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and unafraid.  For you will forget your misery, …Your life will be brighter than noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. You will be secure, because there is hope, and you will look around and lie down in safety. (Job 11:5-18 BSB)

I like how the KJV states

 

If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him;

 

As I conclude this post, I am reminded of a beautiful Christmas card I read this past Holiday season.  Pictured were wise men, following the star at a distance, with the inscribed words, Wise Men Still Seek Him!  

 

 

 

 

Supporting Texts

Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, …, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God. (2 Chr. 19:3)

 

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: (Isa 55:6)

 

But if from there you will seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. (Deu. 4:29)

 

My soul longs for You in the night; indeed, my spirit seeks You at dawn. (Isa. 26:9)