Presence: the state or fact of being present, as with others or in a place.
Presents: gifts
If you have ever been in a close relationship with any child (young or old), including, but not exclusive to parenthood; please fill in the following blank with the correct question.
Child: I love you
Adult : I love you too, __________
If you answered "What do you need?", you win the prize.
What's the prize?
I'm glad you asked. I'll tell you in just a moment.
We can almost be certain that the children in our lives want something when they profess their love for us, in that "tone."
We will always provide what they need, however, there is a real desire to be loved without an attached request.
We would appreciate being told how much we are loved, just because.
Now, about your prize.
Your prize for filling in the blank is, perspective.
I want to offer perspective concerning how we approach God.
God is the one and only source for all we will ever need:
And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
As a good father, he wants to give us good gifts:
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in Heaven give good things to them that ask Him?
Matthew 7:11
As a result, we confidently go to Him to obtain what we need.
We often go to Him, professing our love, right before we ask.
He loves us so much, and will meet every need, according to His word.
However, is it possible that He would, occasionally, like to be told how much He is loved without an attached request?
When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, O LORD, I shall seek."
Psalms 27:8
To seek the face of God is to seek His presence.
In His presence we can just be with Him and enjoy Him.
We can tell Him how grateful we are for what He's done.
We can praise Him for who He is.
We can sing praises of adoration and honor unto Him.
It is these times, that we just desire His presence alone.
The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.
Psalms 34:10
There are other times where it's necessary to seek His hand.
There is a need, and we are asking for Him to provide.
We are asking Him to do what only He can do.
We are approaching Him, to ask of Him, because He is our source.
It is these times, that we are in need of His provision, His gifts, His presents.
We have such an amazing heavenly father that longs to take care of His children.
We should always be confident that He will indeed take care of us.
However, because we love Him, we should be mindful to not only seek His hand for presents.
We should also be intentional about seeking His face, for His presence alone.
Next time we are preparing to seek our heavenly Father, let's ask ourselves:
Am I seeking Him for His presents or for His presence?
The one thing I want from God, the thing I seek most of all, is the privilege of meditating in his Temple, living in his presence every day of my life, delighting in his incomparable perfections and glory.
Psalms 27:4
For Reflection
Have I considered the difference in seeking the face of God vs. the hand of God?
How can I be intentional about spending time with God for the purpose of just enjoying His presence and not seeking His presents?
Scriptures:
Philippians 4:19
Matthew 7:11
Psalms 27:8
Psalms 34:10
Psalms 27:4
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