THE REWARDS OF SEEKING GOD’S FACE

“One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4)

            David was a man after God’s own heart.  He had a special relationship with God.  “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1).

One reason for David’s intimacy with God was his sincere heart’s desire to seek God’s face.  He said in Psalm 27:8, “My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’  Your face, Lord, I will seek.”  Do you long to live in the intimate presence of God?  If you do, what are the rewards of seeking the face of God?  David explains.

Divine help comes from seeking God’s face (v. 9).  David knew he had to keep personal sin in check if he was to expect divine help in facing the challenges of his life.  You and I must do the same.

Divine care comes from seeking God’s face (v. 10).  Earlier in this psalm David mused, “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock” (v. 5).  David knew that even if he couldn’t count on friends and family, he could count on God.

Divine guidance comes from seeking God’s face (v. 11).  When we foster an intimate relationship with God, the reward is the constant leading of the Lord.  “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. . . . He leads me beside quiet waters. . . .  He guides me in the paths of righteousness . . .” (Ps. 23:1-3).

Divine confidence comes from seeking God’s face (v. 13).  Even during the dark times of life, David was confident he would see the goodness of the Lord.  Why?  Because he knew that seeking God’s face brought hope.  What it did for David, it will do for you too.

Take some time today just to seek the face of the Lord.  Wait quietly before Him and enjoy the intimacy of His fellowship.  If you do, you’re sure to enjoy the rewards of that intimacy. Dr. Woodrow Kroll is the President of Back to the Bible and a contributor to the Keswick daily devotional, REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE.

Team YOU: Jeremiah 9-10; Proverbs 25; 1 Timothy 6

Motivations: “The apostle Paul writes that we are not justified by works of the law but through faith in Christ Jesus. We are justified by faith alone, saved by grace alone because of what Christ has done on our behalf. The moralistic gospel may fill our churches with well-behaved people. But the result will merely be an improved version of the old man—not the new man that the biblical gospel promises. Without grace, we miss out on true life transformation…Grace accomplishes what moralism promises but can never deliver: a changed heart.” Trevin Wax, Counterfeit Gospels

Practice to Remember: Level 1:James 2:5; Level 2: James 2:1-5

Powered Up:  I can be active and pray; I can work and pray; but I cannot be busy and pray. – Eugene Peterson