Some Thoughts on Seeking God — Part 1

A Five-Part Devotional Series on Holiness
Pastor Calvin Cook

This week, we will spend some time with thoughts that grew out of the preaching and teaching shared by the pastors of our ARCC charge last weekend. Our focus was on experiencing holiness and being led by the Holy Spirit. Each day, we will take one foundational belief and make room to meditate, pray, and respond to God.

Today, we begin with our desire for God Himself.

“One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” — Psalm 27:4, NIV

What am I seeking from God today?

Relief from the pressure? An answer to a difficult question? A change in circumstances? There is nothing wrong with bringing those needs before Him. God invites us to pray honestly about everything that concerns us.

But as I consider holiness, another question rises within me: Am I desiring God Himself?

Psalm 27 speaks from a place where trouble is real. David names opposition and fear. Yet in the midst of those concerns, his deepest request is to dwell in God’s presence, gaze on His beauty, and seek Him.

That challenges me. My prayers can become a list of things I need God to accomplish. I can spend time telling Him what needs to happen without pausing to enjoy His presence or listen to His Word.

What if the circumstances do not change today? Will I still seek Him? Will I still make room to pray, worship, and listen?

Our desire for God begins with His grace reaching toward us. Before we turn our attention to Him, He is already drawing us closer. Even that stirring within us—the recognition that we need God—is evidence of His grace at work. Our response is to welcome Him and give Him our attention.

Perhaps that means sitting quietly before doing anything else. Perhaps it means reading a passage of Scripture slowly enough to allow its words to settle within us. Perhaps it means carrying a simple prayer through an ordinary task: “Lord, help me keep my focus on You.”

I admit that I can become easily distracted. I can chase a bunny down a trail and lose sight of where I intended to go. Before I know it, my attention has wandered, and the direction of the day has wandered with it.

That can happen in my time with God, too. I begin with a desire to seek Him, and then my mind fills with the things waiting to be done. When I recognize that I have wandered, I can turn my attention back to Him and begin listening again.

As we spend time with God, our desires begin to change. We become more aware of His goodness, more responsive to His correction, and more willing to love the people around us. We become willing for the Holy Spirit to work within us and make us holy.

Here is the ta-da moment: Holiness begins with seeking the One who is holy.

Today, I want to bring God my needs—and offer Him my attention. I want to welcome His presence and allow Him to shape what I desire.

If my circumstances remain unchanged, will I still seek God Himself?

That is a question I have to be willing to answer. Perhaps it is a question for you today, too.

Prayer: Lord, let Your presence become my deepest desire. Thank You for welcoming my concerns and for drawing me toward You through Your grace. Help me make room to listen, worship, and simply be with You. When my attention wanders, help me turn toward You again. Draw me closer through Your Word and Your Spirit, and make me willing for You to make me holy. Amen.

Today’s suggestion: Set aside ten minutes to read Psalm 27:4 slowly and pray without rushing to your next task. Begin with these simple words: “Lord, I want to know You more.”