Yesterday we learned what it means to seek God, but many of us don’t know where to begin.
Start with the Scriptures and prayer. Set aside time each day for meditating on God’s Word: Listen for His voice, slowly digest what you read, talk to the Lord, ask Him questions, and apply what you learn. Don’t just read the Bible—study it, perhaps starting with a verse or short passage. Some of you may say, “I’ve never been into that.” My advice: Get into it! The deep things of God don’t just drop into our brains; they are placed there through diligent study.
Hunger for the Lord is an acquired taste. The more we pursue Him, the greater our craving will be. However, if we ignore God, what little hunger we have will diminish even further.
Do you find this last statement describes your experience? Then ask the Lord to whet your appetite for Him, and follow through by becoming a seeker. This requires time and effort, two things we want to invest wisely.
To neglect the Lord would mean cheating yourself of the benefits He promises to those who diligently seek Him. No one wants to go after that which is fleeting. Choose instead to pursue the Eternal One—the source of all contentment, joy, and hope.
We all have ambitions and desires, but as believers, we should weigh them against God’s Word. As important as our earthly pursuits, responsibilities, and relationships may be, they cannot compare to the value of a life spent seeking our heavenly Father.
What does it mean to seek God? The phrase describes a wholehearted effort to know the Father and follow Him more closely. Those who pursue this kind of fellowship with God are determined to spend time with Him. They also want to forsake anything that could hinder growth in their relationship with the Lord. God’s committed followers claim His promises and trust Him to fulfill His Word. Their experiences with the Lord bring amazing satisfaction yet cause them to hunger for more of Him.
The Christian life is meant to be an ongoing pursuit of God. To walk through the door of salvation and stand still, without drawing any closer to Him, is to miss the treasures that are available in Christ. Those who seek the Lord soon discover that knowing Him is the greatest reward of all.
Genesis 39
Yesterday, we discussed Joseph’s faith. Today we’ll look at some principles that guided him during challenging moments in his life.
Dark times may continue until God’s purpose is accomplished. The Lord’s plan was to prepare Joseph to rescue his family, as well as the nation of Egypt, from famine. But first, God placed Joseph in the role of a servant, where he earned credibility with Egyptian leaders. Then, it was in prison that the Lord “extended kindness” (Gen. 39:21), positioning him to interpret Pharaoh’s dream. Through these difficult situations, Joseph was chosen by Pharaoh to lead Egypt and save the nation from famine as God planned.
We learn in both the dark and the light. Besides discovering God’s faithfulness, Joseph learned to handle high and low positions, to say no to temptation, and to discern God’s presence.
What we learn in the darkness, we’re to share in the light. Joseph did not let imprisonment discourage him from helping others (Genesis 40:1-23). In fact, when interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams, he openly shared his faith and God-given knowledge (Genesis 41:15-16).
No one goes looking for hard times, but they seem to find some of us regularly. Instead of fearing them, we can trust God and embrace His plan, knowing He uses trials for His glory and our gain.
Genesis 37
We all go through difficult seasons. When we’re hurting but see no relief for the future, what can we be sure of?
God is with us in our troubles. He gives us what we need—whether it’s His love and strength, a sense of security, or the knowledge that we are not alone. Jesus knows what it’s like to suffer, be rejected, and lose a loved one. He comprehends the temptations and obstacles we face. What’s more, He carries our burdens (Psalm 68:19) and offers peace for our hurting heart. The God who walks with us is not limited by anything (Matthew 19:26), so there’s no reason be afraid.
God has a purpose for allowing hard times. In the book of Genesis, Joseph could not see God’s intentions when his brothers were plotting against him—and neither will we, most of the time. But Joseph knew the Lord’s character and trusted Him through the many trials that came his way. And Joseph’s faith was rewarded when he ultimately rescued his family (Genesis 45:1-8).
We are called to live a life of faith. That means we are to believe God’s promises even if our circumstances confound us. When troubles surround you, remember what is true: God will never desert you nor abandon you (Hebrews 13:5), and His good purposes will always be accomplished (Isaiah 14:27).
Who doesn’t like something new, especially if the old is ineffective or flawed? Think about a car or appliance that’s beyond repair—and how we yearn for a new one. But even with the impressive technology of today’s latest models, such replacements can’t compare to our greatest need: a new life.
We’re all born with a sin nature that has alienated us from God, blinded our minds to spiritual understanding, enslaved us to sin, and condemned us to eternal punishment. But our heavenly Father stepped into our world through His Son to rescue us, and He offers us an entirely new nature. That is what Jesus meant when He talked about our need to be born again (John 3:1-7).
When we trust in Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit regenerates our spirit and we become new creatures in Christ. The person we were before salvation is gone forever; the new has come and will never leave.
The believer’s spirit has been made new, even though the physical body remains unchanged. But when Jesus returns, our bodies will also be made new, freed from sin and all debilitating consequences. Let’s rejoice in this glorious future that awaits us!
