Study and Seek

Study God and his strength, seek his presence day and night... (I Chronicles 16:11)

Study God - it is actually a command to spend time getting to know God, his ways of doing things, and the ability he has that supersedes all other ability on this earth or in heaven above. Study and seek - two very 'actionable' words that indicate we don't just get to know God's ways through osmosis! We have to invest ourselves into this search!

Seeking is continual - an action we don't just start and stop, taking up again somewhere down the road. It indicates a continual passion or drive to obtain something. Since most of us sleep at night (unless you are an overnight worker), how do we seek both day and night? It begins with an attitude of heart that wants to know him, then it continues with short "arrow-type" prayers throughout the day that set the framework for his presence to be with us even as we sleep.

Study is gradual - we don't learn everything at once. Although some may feel that they 'know it all' when it comes to their faith, I have discovered there is never a point where we actually 'know it all'. The more we learn today leads to a hunger and thirst for learning even more tomorrow. It is as the psalmist said, "Every word you give me is a miracle word— how could I help but obey? Break open your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning. Mouth open and panting, I wanted your commands more than anything." (Psalm 119:129-130)

God 'breaks open' his words, sometimes in the light of day, and at others, in the stillness of night. When we seek, giving ourselves to study his word and learn at his feet, we are never 'done' with our seeking or studying. It is a continual process of growth. Study God and his strength - that comes by observation. We learn to observe the subtleties of his grace, goodness, and faithfulness. We see his compassion, but we best understand it once we experience it. Study involves not only observation, but experience. The more we observe God's actions, the more we desire to experience his strength! Just sayin!