Time Out for God By Danna Appleby Early Will I Seek Thee Jesus always got up long before daylight and went to a quiet place to talk with His Father. Jesus knew that He must have that peaceful time of communion, not only because there was Kingdom work to be done, but because He longed to be near His loving Father. He knew that His day was about to become full of activities and He must seek His Father first before anything else could occur. In the early morning hours while it was still quiet were what Jesus enjoyed.
During the early morning is when I have my best prayer and meditation times with the Lord. I love it when He speaks to my heart through His Word. Many times it will be specific direction for me. Many times He just wants to show His great love. Many times it will be through songs that arise in my spirit and I know the Lord is speaking directly to me. It’s in those early morning times when I’m there to seek the Lord that His Presence becomes very real. Those early prayer times are a treasure and if I don’t have them, I feel slighted. If I go my way without spending those quiet, precious moments seeking my Father in the Secret Place, I usually end up having just an ordinary day. Events can somehow escalate throughout the day and I know that had I started it with prayer and devotion, I might have handled things differently. Not long ago, I took a day off from my job to seek the Lord. That morning the moment I opened my eyes, these words came: “Early will I seek Thee.” I may have read the Scripture before but didn’t remember. So I got up out of bed and looked until I found it. Now, I say often: “Early will I seek Thee.” Ps. 63:10 It seems to me that if Jesus could get up out of His comfortable bed to spend those early morning hours with His Father, then that’s what I must do, as well. I want to follow my Lord’s example. There’s a promise that goes to those who seek the Lord:
If we don’t get what we need when we first ask -- we must keep on seeking. We must keep knocking until we hear from heaven. Of course, I realize that there are times the Lord says “no” but we must keep seeking Him until we have the answer. Some years ago, when I was going through a trial, as I sat in church praying quietly, the Lord brought a Scripture to me:
The Scripture tells us to seek God and His righteousness first before anything else. Our need may be so great that we can think it will never work out, but when we seek God first, we can count on help being on the way! But we must not give up on our waiting. It can take time for some circumstances to work out. It may have taken years to make some of our mistakes and it may take a period of time for circumstances to smooth out again, but give God a chance to do it “His” way. God is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Heb. 11:6) What does that mean to you and me? The bottom line is, He will help us in our time of need. He will come to the rescue when the battle is raging. He will rise with healing in His wings for He longs to be gracious. He loves you and me that much. He wants us to seek Him, to draw near to Him, and to love Him. He wants us to come to Him each and every day seeking His face and to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. God will reward us for our diligence and open the windows of heaven. Adding faith with diligence pleases the Lord.
Perhaps you’ve never sought the Lord for salvation. If that be the case for you, I invite you to do so now, for time is short and we’re not promised tomorrow. The Bible tells us that life is like a vapor. It’s so fragile that it may be here for now, but may disappear at any moment. (James 4:14) The prophet Isaiah had some great words that still apply today:
Jesus came into the world to save us from every unrighteous deed. There is not one sin too horrible for Him not to forgive. The precious words of Jesus written in red prove it:
Now, right there where you are, begin to praise God for His mercy and help in your time of need. Lift your hands to honor the Lord in praise. Honor Him for hearing your cry for help. Praise Him for His goodness to you when you didn’t think you could make it. Praise Him for hearing you when you felt alone and thought no one cared. Praise Him for His love, His forgiveness, His mercy, and His care for you. Honor Him for hearing you when you sought Him with all of your heart for surely those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:10)
Prayer: Father, I honor and praise you today for you have heard our cries for mercy. You sought us and bought us with the redeeming blood of Jesus. You have loved us with an everlasting love. We praise you and honor you for everything you’ve done for us. When we sought you, you came near to help us. When our needs were great you had compassion upon us. When we needed salvation, you saved us. You never let us down, not once! May the praises of God forever come from our lips. In Jesus’ name. Amen. |
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