“Search for the Lord and for His strength; seek His face always.” Psalms 105:4
Reflect:
The Ark of the Covenant formerly represented the strength of the Lord. It was the throne of God, the most sacred in the Tabernacle, and manifested God’s presence on earth. Jeremiah prophesied that God’s people would no longer remember the Ark because of the new Covenant, the coming Christ; that God’s presence would not be confined to the temple because the Lord will dwell in His people. Jeremiah 3:16-17. We have that presence in us. Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Cor. 3:16. We are able to do all things through Him who strengthens us. Phil. 4:13. Strength is from Him, it’s not of ourselves. But we must seek Him. That means to be aware and watch for Him, spend time in prayer, read His Word, and fellowship with other believers. Do we fail at these? Yes! But it’s God that wills His strength to work in us to do good. God’s grace gives us strength and power. If we are in a covenant relationship with the Lord, His strength is there for us, but we must eagerly seek His face, always.
Last year was pivotal for me. God opened my eyes to His irresistible grace. He revealed knowledge of Himself that I had been blind to previously. I sought Him like never before. The Holy Spirit sanctified me in ways I had never experienced. He revealed parts of His Word I took for granted, mocked, and disobeyed. I was in constant repentance. Sanctification hurts. The Lord intends us to be holy on this earth. Though my year was hard and convicting, it was truly the happiest in my sixteen years of walking with Him. Matthew Henry said “Those only are happy, truly happy, that are holy, truly holy”. Even in the midst of hardship and heartache, times of loss, loneliness, and even sanctification, the Lord changes us to be more holy, righteous, strong, and yes, happy. But we must seek and search for the Lord our God, and He will give us strength!
