How To Seek

In the spiritual journey of seeking God, it’s essential to understand not just the "why" but also the "how." This year, we're dedicating ourselves to seeking the Lord in a more profound and structured way. Inspired by the examples of Anna in Luke 2 and the early church in Acts 13, our aim is to draw closer to God, seeking His kingdom, His will, and His righteousness. Here's how we can do that, supported by the enduring wisdom of Scripture.

• The Foundations of Our Seeking
  Seeking His Kingdom and Righteousness: At the heart of our seeking is the desire to know God more intimately and to align our lives with His will and character (Matthew 6, John 17:3, 1 Chronicles 28:9). This involves a commitment to obedience and a deep yearning to understand who God is.

• How to Seek the Lord
  1. Through His Word
     Scriptural Engagement (Psalm 119:10, Psalm 119:2): The primary way to know God is through His Word. The Bible is not just a text; it's the living voice of the Lord speaking to us today. Engaging deeply with Scripture is the first step in seeking God, as it reveals His will and character
  2. Through Prayer
     Direct Communication (Deuteronomy 4:7, Psalm 145:18): Prayer is our direct line to God, a way to come near to Him and to express our desires, fears, and joys. Jesus taught us to pray by prioritizing worship, seeking God's kingdom, and then presenting our needs (Luke 11).
  3. Through Fasting
     Spiritual Intensification: Fasting, accompanied by prayer, is a powerful spiritual discipline. It's not about self-punishment but about expressing our deep hunger for God over even our most basic physical needs. Fasting can be a time of worship, seeking God's will, and empowerment for spiritual warfare.  Please note, mourning is one of the most basic reasons for fasting, and because Jesus is risen, the default mode of the church is not mourning, which is why you will not see fasting listed as a command in the New Testament.  It has a valuable place in the New Testament, as an act of volitional worship and seeking God's will, and is not meant to be perpetual or for the sake of asceticism or "proving" to yourself that you're especially spiritual or worthy! 

• Practical Steps in Seeking
  • Engage with the Word Daily: Make reading and meditating on Scripture a daily habit. Let it be the first voice you hear each day.
  • Pray Continuously: Incorporate prayer into your daily life, not just in moments of need but as a continuous conversation with God.
  • Consider a Fasting Journey: From January 8-28, consider joining a communal fast. Whether it's an absolute fast, a liquid-only fast, or a partial fast, choose what's safe and meaningful for you.

• Tips for Effective Fasting
  • Intentionality is Key: Fasting should be more than just skipping meals; it's a dedicated time of seeking God's presence and will.
  • Be Prepared for Temptation: Just as Jesus faced temptation, expect challenges but use them as opportunities to deepen your reliance on God.
  • Adapt to Your Needs: Fasting looks different for everyone. Adjust your approach based on your health and circumstances.
  • Incorporate Community: Join others in prayer and fasting. Community support can be incredibly enriching and motivating.

Conclusion:
As we embark on this journey of seeking God in 2024, let's approach it with hearts full of expectation. By delving into His Word, communicating through prayer, and fasting, we open ourselves up to a deeper relationship with God, to understand His will more clearly, and to align our lives with His kingdom. This is not just a pursuit for the start of the year but a foundation for our daily lives. Let's seek Him with all that we are, confident in His promise that when we seek Him wholeheartedly, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).