SEEKING THE LORD

“baqash” (Heb.) – means to seek, search, consult, pursue a favorable audience with, or pursue something one wants, or searching for information.

“zeteo” (Gk.) – means to seek, strive after, covet earnestly, search for, desire, require, or endeavor – Vine’s, An Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words.

Psa. 9:10 Those who really know the Lord will do what?

Do you know the Lord well enough so that this is your natural response, and, if not, how do you plan to change so as to know Him better?

Who has the Lord not forsaken?

Are you seeking the Lord by consulting Him in prayer and expecting communication back from Him (e.g., 2 Sam. 21:1) through His Word, the Bible, or through the wise counsel of someone accurately teaching God’s Word?

Psa. 22:26 What will those who seek (pursue a favorable audience/relationship with) God do (in prayer)?

Are you doing this? If not, it could be an indication that you’re not really seeking the Lord.

Psa. 27:8 When God told David to seek His face (i.e., Him), how did David respond?

Are you seeking/pursuing a personal, intimate relationship with God through open communication with Him in prayer, hearing from Him through reading and meditating upon the Bible, and experiencing Him through trusting and obeying Him and His Word, the Bible?

Psa. 34:10 What promise is given to those who seek the Lord?

Do you believe this? If so, are you seeking an intimate relationship with the Lord so that you won’t lack any good thing (i.e., the necessities of life, like food)?

Or, are you seeking the Lord because of Who He is, and this promise is simply a fringe benefit?

Psa. 42:1, 2 To what does the Psalmist compare his thirst for God?

To what would you compare your thirst for God, and why?

Psa. 63:1-8 How does David describe his seeking God?

To what does David compare the satisfaction of his soul?

[“marrow and fatness” – the choicest, richest, and most flavorful of foods].

Are you satisfied with the extent of your experiential knowledge of and relationship to God?

If not, what do you plan to do about it, and why?

Would you say that you’re seeking God in prayer, Bible reading, and trusting and obeying His Word is serious and intense?

Psa. 70:4 What should those who seek God do?

Are you doing this? Why?

Psa. 105:3, 4 How are we to seek the Lord’s face (seek to have an intimate relationship with the Lord)?

Is this true of you? Why?

[Remember that just as you can’t live off of last week’s food (you need new, fresh nutrition), so you can’t live off of last week’s blessings from God’s Word and prayer; it needs to be continual.].

Psa. 119:2, 10 What does it say about those who seek the Lord with all their heart?

Are you pursuing a close relationship with God with some, most, or all of your being/heart, and why?

[If it’s not with your whole being, then you may find yourself not being very happy/blessed.].

What qualities/characteristics do you look for in a close friend?

Do you think God has them all, if not more? If so, do you want to pursue His being your best friend?

Psa. 143:5, 6 To what is David’s longing soul for God compared?

To what is yours compared, and why?

Psa. 34:8 What does it say we should taste and see (i.e., try out by trusting and obeying)?

Have you experienced this to be true? How?

Isa. 26:8, 9 How does Isaiah describe his seeking God?

Is this true of you? If not, what do you think that it would take to motivate you to long for and work hard at seeking/knowing God experientially?

Jer. 29:11-14 When does God tell the Israelites that they will find Him?

Why do you think God continuously stresses the word “all”?

Do you think it’s because God both deserves it (since He’s our Creator and the Supreme Being and wants no competition for our loyalty and love) as well as the fact that He knows it’s the only way we’ll find ultimate contentment and fulfillment in life?

Lam. 3:25 Who is the Lord good to?

Is the Lord good to you for this reason? How do you know?

Dan. 9:3-10 Who and how did Daniel give his attention to (set his face to)?

Do you do this? Why?

Do you talk to Him like an intimate friend, sharing your joys, disappointments, hopes, dreams, discouragements, sorrows, hurts, aspirations, successes, failures, frustrations, thoughts, fears, desires, etc.? Why?

Lk. 10:38-42 For what did Jesus confront Martha?

For what did He commend Mary, and why?

Which sister are you more like? Why?

Heb. 11:6 What must the person who comes to God believe?

How seriously do you take God up on His promise of being a Rewarder? How?

Phil. 3:7-10 What was Paul’s great desire (vs. 10)?

Is it your desire to know Christ in this way? If so, what are you doing to make it a reality?