How to seek God

2 Chronicles 26:5; Matt 2:1-12; 13:45&46; 6:33.

2 Chr 26:5 He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the things of God; and as long as he sought (inquired of, yearned for) the Lord, God made him prosper.

The Bible said the King prospered as long as he sought God in the days of Zechariah the priest(2 Chr 26:5). Does  this explain why many Christians are not prospering? It is amazing to observe that believers born of  God who have His very life and nature in them will run to other avenues for help in times of trouble except God! This is the summary of the lives of all the kings of Bible times Israel: as long as the king together with the congregation sought God, He drew near to them and helped them. However God himself fought against his chosen people during the era of their rebellion and hate of him. There is no short cut to joy, peace and prosperity in this life. Seeking God with your all in  and your heart is the only way you can have true wealth and good success. But how do we seek God? Is attending church not enough of an activity that seeks God? One may say ‘I read my Bible and pray every day’ the lay man may utter that he also engages in missions and pays his tithe faithfully. Is seeking God in the first place an act we perform or a virtue we develop in our heart?

I have been impressed by the Biblical accounts of the wise men from the east who travelled such a distance only to seek the baby born king of the Jews. It is also fantastic  to observe that even the Jews did not seem concerned about the birth of the Messiah  and even after they were told  that he has been born they seem not happy( Matt 2).The accounts of the queen of Sheba cannot be ignored as well because it teaches us of the cost and sacrifices we must make in our search for a meaningful relationship with Christ.

Briefly, let us look at how the wise men in the Bible sought the Messiah.

How the Wise Men sought God(Matt 2)

·         With wisdom and understanding the wise men sought Jesus. Everyone saw the bright star in the sky but because these men were wise and had divine understanding they knew it represented the birth of the Messiah. If believers these days are so immature(dull to learning spiritual things) that we cannot even decipher between what is right and wrong then how can we read the deep revelations and promptings of the holy spirit that belongs only to the church? We do not need  a personal prophet or an angel from heaven for this! Learn to know the will of God for yourself by developing your own spirit to hear from God. I’m not talking about a thing so difficult and strange. I’m only talking about letting the word of God abide in your spirit so it will be a lamb and guide to your path. This year follow the voice of the Holy Spirit who speaks softly to your heart.

·         They travelled from the east. It was not a small journey. It involved lots of commitments and preparation. It involved focus and determination.  I believe it cost them their savings. These wise men lost pleasure from family relations and their business contacts. Even unbelievers know how to be spiritual. Sometimes it looks like unbelievers are more focus and jealous in their religious practices than Christians(eg. Islam, occults & fetish people).  Seeking God is about zeal, focus and wisdom. It begins with a great desire and a passion that can not fade but increases to an everlasting love. Without love you cannot seek God for how can you claim to know God whom you cannot see if you do not love your brother whom you can see. Let us love God with our heart, feelings, our mind, senses and emotions. Let us also live in peace towards each other. We ought to do something for Christ that will cost us!

·         Depend on the holy Spirit. What kept the wise men going was the bright star. It lead them till it stopped on the abode(house) of the Saviour. The Holy Ghost who is our guide, counsellor, intercessor, and energizer will lead you from victory unto victory in your walk with God until your full purpose on earth is lived. Never think there is no one to help you. The wise men consulted the King Herod and the scribes but that was of little help. Their contact with Herod even gave the devil a door way to harm innocent people(killings of newly born babies). Instead of depending on the divine providence of God why do we let our worries sway us from following the bright morning star who dwells in us and is with us always(Matt 28:20)?

·         You cannot seek and find Him if your motives are wrong. Apostle James said that ‘ Ye ask and receive not because you ask so you can fulfil your lusts’.  Herod and the congregation of Jews did not benefit from the blessings of the messiah. The bible even said he could not do many miracles in his own home town! Why? Because pride is not an attitude that will help you walk with God. The wise men had travelled and committed so much in a dangerous journey only to bow down to baby! That is true humility. Herod was not prepared to lose his throne and crown and neither was the Jewish community prepared to serve the Messiah. But because Christ humbled himself to the cross he received a name above every name and at the mention of his name every knee bow and ever tongue confess that he is lord. Because of Pride Lucifer is down and because of humility Christ is up reigning as king forever, Hallelujah. Let us serve God with a meek and humble spirit.

·         Seek God with your treasure for where your treasure is there your heart is. The rich young man was told to go sell all his riches and give to the poor then come follow Christ but he never returned. Can you lose every possession you have such as your reputation, status, salary, family name, leisure, sex, alcohol, friends , relations and anything that the master may demand for his work?