Will You Seek God’s Face?

By Craig Etheredge

You were created to know God in a deep and personal way. That kind of relationship requires not only listening to God, but also talking to God through prayer. Maybe in the past you struggled with your prayer life. Maybe you are tired of rote, wooden, repetitive prayers that never really seem to go anywhere or accomplish much. This week you are going to learn how to seek God’s face in a way that is life-changing.

Every child is born with an innate desire for face time with his parents. In 1978 researchers discovered that children who had a parent who held them, talked to them and got in their face developed properly. But if a child didn’t have a parent, or if the face of the person holding the child was expressionless, the child didn’t develop properly. The child would become agitated, frustrated, and eventually withdraw. Just as you were wired to need face time with other people, you were also created and wired to crave face time with God.

All through the Bible, God calls His people to seek His face. In (Psalm 80.3, 7, 19 NIV) we read, “Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. … Restore us, God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. … Restore us, LORD God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.”

(2 Chronicles 7.14 NIV) says, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

(1 Chronicles 16.11 NIV) advises, “Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.”

(Psalm 89.15 ESV) cries out, “Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O LORD, in the light of your face.”

(Psalm 105.4 NIV) tells us, “Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.”

The priestly blessing that was spoken over Israel every day at the morning and evening sacrifices stated, “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace,” (Numbers 6.24-26 ESV). The people would hear it and reply, “Amen.” Let it be! May God’s face shine on us!

That’s the invitation. Seek His face.

This week you are invited to seek God’s face in prayer, but the invitation requires a response. (Psalm 27.8 NIV) says, “My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’ Your face, LORD, I will seek.”