SEEK 2024

As we welcome another year, it's customary for us to gather, reflect on the past, and set our sights on the horizon of what's to come. Traditionally, this has been a time for announcing our annual theme, a beacon to guide our collective journey through the New Year. This year, however, we've decided to approach things a bit differently. Instead of launching straight into our activities and initiatives on January 1, we're dedicating the entire month of January to simply seek the Lord. This shift in tradition stems from a realization that December, often filled with preparations and celebrations, leaves little room for rest or spiritual recalibration.

Why the Change?

• December as a Time to Feast: In December, we feast - we rest, rejoice in celebrating the Lord, and enjoy time with our families.
• January as a Time to Fast and Seek: January becomes a period to fast and seek the Lord. This strategic separation of feasting and fasting allows for a more focused and meaningful engagement with our spiritual pursuits.
• Announcing the Theme in Alignment: As we conclude January, having spent time seeking the Lord, we will announce the theme for 2024. This process ensures that our hearts are in one accord, fully immersed in the flow of the Holy Spirit, without the need for a ramp-up period.

What Are We Seeking For?
Our pursuit is twofold, deeply rooted in the scriptures:

1. The Kingdom of God and His Righteousness (Matthew 6:31-33): We seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all our needs will be met as a result. This priority aligns our desires with the Lord's, ensuring our pursuits are not merely for earthly gains but for spiritual enrichment and alignment with God's will.
2. The Lord's Provision for Our Needs (Matthew 7:7-11): We seek the Lord's provision, believing that He is a generous Father who gives good gifts to His children. This act of seeking goes beyond worldly desires, focusing instead on the fulfillment that comes from God's provision and presence.

The Importance of Seeking

• Seeking as an Act of Worship: In Hebrew, the act of seeking is synonymous with worship. It is an external expression of an inner longing, a testament to what we value and prioritize. What we seek is a clear indicator of the direction, focus, and orientation of our lives.
• The Dangers of Misplaced Desires: Pursuing invalid desires or placing them above God can lead to spiritual slumber and idolatry. When we seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, our priorities and affections are realigned, dethroning any idolatrous desires.
• The Blessings of Rightful Seeking: As we align our desires with the Kingdom, we open ourselves to the blessings intended for us. Seeking the Lord first ensures that our valid desires, such as purpose, belonging, provision, safety, and relationship, are met in a manner that glorifies God and enriches our lives.

The Mechanics of Seeking

• Seek with the Right Order: Our seeking must follow a divine order - first the Kingdom and His righteousness, then our personal needs and desires. This hierarchy ensures that our pursuits are aligned with God's will, leading to a life that is both fulfilled and honoring to Him.
• Seeking as a Continuous Journey: The scriptures encourage us to seek the Lord and His strength, to continually seek His presence (1 Chronicles 16:11, Psalm 14:2, Psalm 119:10, Amos 5:4, Psalm 27:8). This journey of seeking is not a one-time event but a lifelong pursuit.

Conclusion: The Promise of Seeking
As we embark on this journey of seeking in 2024, we are reminded of the promises embedded in God's word. He assures us that those who seek Him will find Him when they seek Him with all their heart (Jeremiah 29:13). This year, let us commit to seeking the Lord wholeheartedly, trusting that in doing so, we will uncover the depth of His love, provision, and guidance for our lives.
May this year of SEEK 2024 be a transformative one, where our collective seeking leads us into deeper waters of faith, community, and divine purpose. Let's embrace this call with open hearts, ready to receive and be led by the Spirit into all that God has prepared for us.