What are YOU Seeking?
What are you seeking?
This week, as we delve into God’s Word, I’d like you to take a moment to ask yourself, ‘What are you searching for?’
I recently opted to send my faithful readers (thank you) a survey with two simple questions. I asked you to share with me what burdens you and how I can help. My intention was to ask you what you are struggling with and how I can help you overcome the struggle. Easy, yes? But, in reality, the answers are much more complex when you begin to reflect on your burdens. So, what is the answer?
Ecclesiastes 7:14 The Voice translation tells us, “Often wisdom invites us to ponder great questions. The question, “Can anyone make straight what God has made crooked?” echoes the words of 1:15— “Something crooked cannot be made straight.” Only God can determine what is and what is not. God makes our paths crooked or straight. And we often do not understand why one person’s way is straight and another’s crooked. The message of the teacher is simple: reverence God regardless of the path you have been given to walk.”
“Teacher: When times are good, enjoy them and be happy. When times are bad, think about this: God makes both good and bad times, so that no one really knows what is coming next.”
What Is and What Is Not
The path you are on may be challenging. You’re drained from the journey. The adversity and hardships are wearing you down. Your exhaustion is evident in your expressions, and your body shows signs of fatigue. But fear not. You can be assured that God will make your path straight in His time. Therefore, it is vital to your wellness and spiritual growth that you place your unwavering trust and hope in God and not in the things of this world.
The Holman Study Bible for Women asserts that it is foolish to dwell on the past and that we must embrace the present to lead a joyful life. This includes the crooked paths. I would like to think that all my paths were straight, and I could share with you how wonderful it is to walk the straight and narrow way, but my paths are not always so clear.
My friends, life is complicated. You will experience both the mountains and the valleys on your journey. However, today, whatever you are experiencing, my prayer is that you will praise God regardless of your situation. I encourage you to give thanks to God and seek Him with all your heart through prayer and praise. God’s Word will provide you with the wisdom and strength you will need to rise up and overcome.
For this reason, I asked you to share with me in the recent survey what burdens you. My friend, there is nothing I want more than for YOU to live life in the fullness of Christ, and this can only be accomplished when YOU seek God and not the things of this world.
Seeking Joy
I encourage you to read Ecclesiastes to gain insight for living a life of joy, which can only be found in Christ, not in the indulgences of this world.
Did you know that the relentless bombardment of marketing messages we receive daily is designed to convince women like you and me that to be successful, happy, and healthy, we need to buy, travel, or indulge in whatever product is being marketed? But God tells us that our value does not come from the things of this earth. Our value is found in Him. I am not speaking of the value found in the world. The world tries to tell you that you are the sum of your worth based on your material possessions, your title, or your bank account, but God tells us that our value can only be found in Him.
Where are you finding your worth? Is there anything you desire or covet, believing “it” will bring you joy? I’ve got news for you — those designer sandals, the trip to Paris, or the fabulous diamond bracelet are not going to fill you with what you truly desire. These material things will not bring you any closer to eternal joy than your last purchase or the trip you took. Yes, the shoes or jewels may bring you fleeting happiness (or buyer’s remorse), but these things will never fill you or give you the riches that Christ will provide you with.
Seeking God
So, what are you searching for? What is it that you long for because you believe it will fill the emptiness in your heart? What are you seeking in hopes that when you achieve or receive “it,” you will find joy and fulfillment? If you feel burdened by your desires or find yourself seeking the things of this world over intimacy with God, I encourage you to surrender your thoughts and desires to God and ask Him to search your heart. Reveal anything that is not of Him. Trust God. He will answer you and fill you with the gifts of wisdom and joy.
“To those who seek to please God, He gives wisdom and knowledge and joyfulness; but to those who are wicked, God keeps them busy harvesting and storing up for those in whom He delights. But even this is fleeting; it’s like trying to embrace the wind.” Ecclesiastes 2:26 The Voice
For the next two months, April and May 2021, I am opening 4 pro bono coaching spots to women seeking a deeper relationship with God. If you are interested in meeting once a week for 4 weeks via Zoom or telephone to be transformed through the power of God’s Word, contact me via email at robin@revispyke.com to reserve your spot!
Image Credit by Reyni Rz Illustrations & Design
