BIBLE TEXT: Amos 5: 4-6, Mathew 10:38-39, Isaiah 55: 6-7, Zechariah 8: 20-23,
MEMORY VERSE: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
Why ought I to look for the Lord? In addition to the assurance that those who seek the Lord will never lack good things (Psalm 34:10), there are several other advantages to doing so (Hosea 10:12). The benefits of seeking the Lord are tremendous for us, much like the benefits of fearing the Lord, but we shouldn’t seek the Lord solely for the benefits. Understanding the advantages may inspire us, maintain our focus, and let us know when we’re on the correct path.
JUSTICE
Evil men are incapable of understanding justice and righteous judgment. Because of their hearts’ blindness, they are unable to genuinely discern what is right or wrong in morals or other things. Because the god of this world, who governs over them and makes decisions for them, as well as their prejudices and passions, further dim their already dim minds. Justice and much more are understood by the righteous. They are wise in the LORD’s ways, seek the LORD, and fear the LORD. Because only those who fear God receive revelations from Him, they are “directed towards all truth” by pursuing the light they already possess. The evil, who consistently close their eyes to the light, eventually become unable to see it, even if they wanted to.
Evil people lack judgment because their minds are naturally averted, and they are further averted by their prejudices and passions, as well as by the god of this world, who rules within them; however, those who seek the Lord by diligently studying his word and by fervently praying to him for divine illumination, understand all things that are necessary to be known by them, either for the good of themselves or for the good of others.
LESS WORRIES
Therefore, refrain from worrying about things like “What shall we wear?” or “What shall we drink?” Because the pagans pursue all of these things, your heavenly Father is aware of your need for them. But put first His kingdom and righteousness, and you will also receive all these things. We will be given everything if we seek after the kingdom of God. God wants to free us from worldly concerns so we can focus on spiritual matters.
We are putting God first when we worship, praise, thank, rely on, and depend on God rather than ourselves or anyone else. When we turn to God for solace, support, and assurance, we acknowledge who He is and what He can do and seek Him first. Although it would seem that, as Christians, we always put God first in everything. There are many distractions in this world. It can be difficult to maintain the priority of seeking God first in our thoughts. When making decisions, it is tempting to pay attention to the voices and viewpoints of others.
ANSWERED PRAYERS
Because the Lord is attentive to the prayers of the upright and has his eyes fixed on them, the Lord’s face is set against those who commit evil. He is receptive to our prayers. When we choose to do good rather than the alternative of doing evil, He is ready and willing to hear us. We must look for peace. While Paul reminds us that when we are cursed, we are to bless those who curse us, and when we are harmed, we are to heal, Jesus gave us the command to pray for those who persecute us. When one is persecuted for doing what is right, showing compassion for those who have wronged us and paying them back is not the norm. However, Christ commanded us to bless those who persecute us, pray for those who charge us falsely and bless those who do us harm.
For Christ’s sake, the Lord is not oblivious to our suffering, even though “the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are ever open to their petitions.” Ungodly people speak and do all kinds of evil against us. The passage says that the Lord’s “face is against them that commit evil.
FREEDOM FROM FEAR
David informs us that the Lord responded to his prayer in this verse. David was afraid before he prayed; he most likely feared what his enemies would do to him. David insists that he has no cause to be afraid. His past experiences and knowledge assured him that God would continue to be in charge. Psalm 27:1 states: “I do not need to fear because the LORD is my light and my salvation. Who shall I fear when the LORD is my fortress and life?” David prayed because he realized he was still susceptible to anxiety. The Lord graciously allayed all his worries.
Believers today might fear anything from physical injury or illness to job insecurity, difficulties in relationships, political collapse, the threat of incoming nuclear missiles, and everything in between. However, faith replaces fear. The apostle Paul did not fear an upcoming trial that might result in execution, but he knew the Lord could remove all anxiety when we pray. The prayer of faith and fear are mutually exclusive. God has promised to see us through any harm, even though believers are not guaranteed to be kept out of harm’s way. He has never abandoned those who fervently pursue God. He will never leave those who trust Him (Psalm 9:10). He is a stronghold of protection for all who seek Him out (Proverbs 18:10).
To be continued….