Proverbs 8:17 - How To Find God.
Proverbs 8:17 - How To Find God.
Proverbs 8:17 (KJV) I love them that love me; and those that
seek me early shall find me.
Proverbs 8:17 (ESV) I love those who love me, and those who seek
me diligently find me.
Proverbs 8:17 (AMP) I love those who love me, and those who seek
me early and diligently shall find me.
Seek me early: This means to seek so diligently that one rises
early in the morning to press the search. Because of the distractions
of worldly affairs, and the deceitfulness of the human heart,
persevering diligence is required to maintain a saving relationship with
true wisdom and with God. [SDA Bible Commentary]
The word "early" sticks out in this verse: does the Lord mean
early in the morning? early in your life? early in your Christian
walk? Early seems to denote a time set aside before other things push
in ahead. Could God be saying that He wants top priority in your
life? Could the Lord want to spend time with you when you are fresh
and unencumbered from the cares of the day? God is a jealous God.
He commands that you have nothing in your life that is more
important to you. Are you in line with God on this? Or do you need to
realign your priorities in order to seek Him early? [In His Time; Walk
With Wisdom]
Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very
first work. Let your prayer be, "Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I
lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide
with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee." This is a daily
matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender
all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His
providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into
the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more
after the life of Christ. SC70
Consecration (being dedicated to God's service) is our part;
sanctification (being set apart from sin and being made holy) is God's part.
[In His Time; My Utmost For His Highest]
For many of us, every morning is a battle. Between the time
the alarm clock rings and when our feet hit the floor, our thoughts
can spiral downward. Today's to-do list and potential hurdles
combine with leftover fatigue from yesterday, all seeming to conspire to
overwhelm us and beat us down. In a few very short minutes, our attitude
can shift drastically from neutral to negative.
Though the morning battle is real for many, it isn't
unwinnable. The key is to turn the downward spiral into upward momentum, and
the best way to do that is by inviting Jesus into your internal
conversation as soon as you wake up. Before thinking about to-do lists,
potential hurdles, lingering problems from the day before, or anything
else, have a conversation with Him - not about issues, but just for
the pleasure of His company. Enjoy the fellowship. Lie still in His
Presence. Utter some words of worship and gratitude. Listen to His words
of affection and encouragement. Let Him shape your internal
environment before you get up to face your external world. Make Him the
priority of your day.
When you do that, the day can take on a whole different tone.
And the tone of a day can have lasting impact. Decisions are made in
a different light, long-term relationships are strengthened rather
than weakened, ideas and innovation come much more easily, and
obstacles lose their power. Winning the morning battle day after day can
radically impact a lifetime.
Whatever it takes, invite Jesus into your morning. Before
your feet hit the floor, enjoy His Presence. The earlier you make Him
the center of your day, the more profoundly He will shape it.
Jesus, I know my attitude needs an adjustment every morning.
I invite You to adjust it - to hold me, fill me with Your
Presence, and transform me. You are more important than any issues I'll
face on any given day - and fully able to handle them. [The One Year
Experiencing God's Presence Devotional by Chris Tiegreen re Psalm 143:8]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE:
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2012/20120210-1532.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2004/20040503-1146.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2005/20050128-1110.html
EXCELLENT VIDEO SERIES ON EXPERIENCING GOD:
http://sda.biggytv.com/watch/Revive!_-_Dwight_Nelson:_Experiencing_Gods_Grace/revive/
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT:
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Grace Notes: http://www.e-gracenotes.org/index.php
Excellent Spiritual Resource Site:
http://www.christianlifemediacenter.com/
