Search for the Lord and His Strength

Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done. Sing to Him; yes, sing His praises. Tell everyone about His wonderful deeds. Exult in His holy name; rejoice, you who worship the LORD. Search for the LORD and for His strength; continually seek Him. 

(Psa 105:1-4 NLT)

These God sightings (times where I pause long enough to see God's hand at work in the world, circumstances, and in others) are something that at various times in my life have been critical in creating my safe haven for me and my family.  You see, where I see God working, it is easier for me to rest in Him and know that I don't have to do it all on my own.  


Today I woke thinking about the part of this passage that says "search for the Lord and for His strength."  It reminded me of a time when I was so completely discouraged and frustrated with the task before me that I began to pray - praying words that I often said but now they hit me as being hopeless in my discouragement.  I prayed for God to give me strength.  I proceeded after I prayed the words to almost get angry at God asking Him what that even means... He felt like some ambiguous ghost that if He even really existed was no where around.  As I prayed and dumped my frustration and doubts the phone rang.  I answered it hesitantly.  It was an acquaintance from church, someone I hadn't gotten to know well yet.  I can't begin to tell you what we talked about or how the conversation developed, but what I do remember was hanging up the phone and in my spirit I heard God say, "There is my strength."  


God works through others.  His strength comes from words of encouragement and support expressed through others.  This was a huge "ah ha" moment I will always treasure.  Today, I add another piece to it.  If I had connected that renewed strength to the person on the other end of the line, it would have been temporary and dependent on people.  As I "searched for the Lord" in the process and sighted Him in the interaction, I recognize that He is always there to meet my needs - sometimes through others, sometimes with a quiet voice within my spirit.  So I continue to seek Him.


As we gather in Cincinnati for Pete's Dad's funeral I once again see God's strength being provided through friends and family around the country.  Thanks to our family in Valpo and our family in Cincy.  I give praise to the God who binds us all together.


Proclaim His greatness by sharing where God is strengthening you today.  See Him as the source and give Him thanks.