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Psalm 27:8 - God Wants to Commune with Us.

TEXT AND TRANSLATIONS

Psalm 27:8 (NKJV) When You said, "Seek My face," My heart said to You, "Your face, LORD, I will seek."

Psalm 27:8 (NLT) My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me." And my heart responds, "LORD, I am coming."

Psalm 27:8 (ESV) You have said, "Seek my face." My heart says to you, "Your face, LORD, do I seek."

Psalm 27:8 (AMP) You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need]. My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek, inquire for, and require [of necessity and on the authority of Your Word].

INTRODUCTION

We often run to God when we experience difficulties. But David sought God's guiding presence every day. When troubles came his way, he was already in God's presence and prepared to handle any test. Believers can call to God for help at any time, but how shortsighted it is to call on God only when troubles come. Many of our problems could be avoided or handled far more easily by seeking God's help and direction beforehand. [Life Application SB 2019 vs 7]

COMMENTARY PEARL

   I love, love, love the early-morning quiet with Jesus. I rise before my husband wakes, the dawn peeps, and the bird's chirp. Nestled on our vessel's settee with coffee and journal nearby, I read my Bible and savor sweet moments with my Savior.
   I'll be honest - I haven't always considered those early-morning times delightful. I used to think that doing daily devotions was written on every good Christian's to-do list. Do it or die trying. My perspective changed when my husband, Gene, and I were involved in an all-consuming ministry while parenting three active teenagers. That's when I realized my desperate need for divine wisdom and supernatural strength, and I dived into my devotional time with fresh hunger.
   I recall asking Jesus to wake me at the time He wanted to meet, and He did - 5 a.m. At first, I thought He was joking, but an inner alarm prompted me to awaken at the same time every morning. Imagining Jesus waiting in my living room provided motivation to get up and get moving. If He wanted to spend time with me, then I didn't want to disappoint Him by not showing up.
   My current life season allows me the flexibility to rise even earlier than 5 a.m. Time in Jesus's presence and soaking in His Word gives me strength, joy, and peace. It encourages me, answers tough questions, and anchors me amidst the storms of life. I can't imagine facing my day without first seeking His face. Grace Fox
   Faith Step: Ask yourself if you consider time with Jesus a duty or a delight. If not the latter, what needs to change? [Mornings With Jesus 2025 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

CLOSING PEARL

   Being a military family, our daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren lived in three different states in 2017. In November, my husband and I helped them move across the country. During a FaceTime call a few weeks later, Lilah, our three-year-old granddaughter, begged us to come visit again. "Nana and Paw Paw, can you come home?"
   I almost cried at Lilah's invitation, partly because it was so sweet but also because the word home stirs up mixed feelings. When asked where I'm from, I often say I'm not really sure. Is home where I spent the first thirty years of my life? Or the state where we raised three children and lived for another thirty years? Since then, my husband and I have lived in three other states. So where exactly is home?
   A child like Lilah instinctively knows the answer: home is where you're with people who love you. So it's good to remember that wherever I move, the One who loves me most is always with me. Sometimes I can hear Jesus asking a question similar to Lilah's: "My child, will you come home?" Every day He invites me to spend time with Him. Opening His Word and letting His Spirit teach me. Talking to Him about my burdens. Soaking up His goodness and unconditional love.
   Deep down I know that earth is not my true home. One day Jesus will lead me to my forever home. Until then, I'm learning the joy of being in His presence. That's where I feel most at home. by Dianne Neal Matthews
   Faith Step: The next time, you feel unsettled, go to Jesus in prayer. Ask Him to help you feel at home in Him. [Mornings With Jesus 2020 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Psalm 105:4 - Seek God And His Strength Continually!
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2015/20150506-2119.html

Amos 5:6 - Seek God And Live!
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250109-1426.html

1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray Without Ceasing.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230929-0933.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/