and seek my face

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

“One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. . . .My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.” (Psalm 27:4, 8)

I love it when my children come to me. They often have a question or a request, and I love helping them out as much as possible. But I especially love it when they just want to be with me, to spend time together, to be close. God gave us family relationships on earth that, when healthy and working the way that God intended, give us a glimpse into how He wants us to relate to Him. The Father loves it when we have a question or request. But He especially loves it when we come to Him with open hands and an open heart, with no agenda other than to meet with Him. One way to describe that is “seeking God’s face and not just His hand.” Yes, it is important to present our requests to God (Philippians 4:6), but there is “one thing” that is needed. It is the thing that Jesus commended Mary for doing—”only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better” (Luke 10:42). Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what He said” (Luke 10:38).

As we come to God each day, let’s resist the temptation to have only a one-sided conversation accompanied by a long list of needs and wants. Let’s remember to start with the one thing, the main thing . . . to sit at Jesus’ feet, gaze upon his beauty, and to listen to what He says.

Prayer: Father, please give me a heart like Yours. I want to seek Your face, to gave upon Your beauty, and to listen to Your voice. Keep me from a functional relationship with You, and help me to always seek Your face, not just Your hand. I love You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.