Preparing the other day for the worship time at San Carlos Community Church, I came across this verse, familiar words that struck a chord in my heart in a fresh way. "Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice." (I Chron. 16:10) It's an encouragement and a reminder that those who are seeking Him truly have something to rejoice about! Later on in the same chapter David writes:
26 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens. (I Chron. 16:26)
All of the other things that we could possibly seek after are mere idols, merely inanimate objects, things, even people, resources, wealth, stuff, nothing that compares to the One who has set everything in motion, the one who made the heavens. How can we not rejoice then when we are in fact seeking Him? How can we not wonder why our pursuits are joyless when we are seeking something other than God? That's why David gives us the reminder in verse 11:
11 Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always. (I Chron. 16:11)
Later on tells us:
25 For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
27 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and joy are in his dwelling place. (I Chron. 16:25-27)
Perhaps I needed (well, maybe not perhaps...I did need!) that reminder as so many other things can sneak up and take the place in our hearts, our focus, our time, our energy, etc. that really only belongs to God. I'm so grateful for these gentle, loving reminders that He give us!
I'm looking forward to heading up (yes, back up!) to Manitoba next week. As it has turned out this year, this summer is the summer of weddings with my sister having been married a couple of weeks ago, a good friend in another couple of weeks, and then finally my brother at the end of August. I'll be in MB from next week until the end of August, and in between the weddings I'm looking forward to seeing many of you! Give me a call, send me a message, I'd love to chat about this past school year and the exciting things that we have coming ahead for this fall and winter season! I will see many of you soon...
God bless! ¡Dios les bendiga! Keep seeking God and rejoicing!
