Read
“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” 1 Chronicles 16:11 (ESV)
Reflect
Can I tell you a secret? I give up really easily. Perseverance is not a strength that comes naturally to me. If I think there is even the slightest chance that I might fail, look a fool, or be made fun of I walk away. It isn’t exactly the best plan of action when it comes to community, because when we’re all broken people who fail and mess up all the time.
I’ve started craft projects, book projects, blog series, capsule wardrobes, eBooks, and link ups – and left most of them unfinished. If I sense even the slightest bit of push back, disinterest, or potential hurdle, I stop. It’s hard to keep doing something when you aren’t sure of the finish line. It can be hard to keep going when you feel like the only one who sees your specific vision.
But this Scripture tells us to persevere in at least one specific area- seeking the Lord and His strength. Seek His presence continually. Not just when it feels like the popular thing to do. Not just when you have the perfect morning routine set up with your perfect cup of coffee and your perfectly quiet house. Not just when you feel strong enough or capable enough or “enough” enough to do it. Continually.
Dictionary.com defines perseverance like this: “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.”
It’s to seek God, His strength, and His presence “especially in spite of” what our days, our emotions, our to-do lists might throw at us. It’s looking for God in the middle of the mundane, ordinary, messy moments. It’s seeking His strength when we’re at our weakest. It’s knowing that we’re not capable, but believing that He is. It’s choosing to seek God whether we’re having a good day, a bad day, a busy day, a crazy day, or any kind of day in between. No matter what.
And especially in spite of discouragement. Be encouraged, friend – God will be there. Seek Him, continually.
Respond
Father, as we go into our day unsure of what we’ll face, I pray that we would be women who seek You, seek Your strength and presence, continually. Be near today as difficulties, obstacles and discouragement arise, Lord, and remind us to lean into You to overcome them.
Speaking the words off my heart today, Crystal! I am not much in persevering myself. So many projects started, but never finished. But seeking the Lord is a continual process, never really a finished product. This was so so good! Thank you!
Crystal, I really love this post! What great encouragement. I so often get in the mindset that everything has to be perfect to seek God, as well. But that certainly isn’t the case. Thanks for the reminder!