God is Not a Genie

 

I heard a good sermon recently that sparked the thought for this post. In the sermon the preacher said that so many people, including self-proclaimed Christians seek God's hand but not His face. Wow! What a profound and true statement! 

People are always ready to seek God when they want or need something from Him but few seem to truly seek His face. To seek His face, would involve spending time trying to get to know Him. That requires more than turning to Him to ask for things or for help. 

In James 4:8 we are told to Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you...

If we want to have a close relationship with the Father of heaven we must first draw nigh to Him. 

2 Tim. 2:15 says to Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

Studying God's Word and learning it is the only and best way to know how to show ourselves approved. The way to know what is expected of us. The way to rightly divide the truth so that we can understand it. 

In Ephesians 5:15-17 we are told that the days are evil so we should not be a fool but be wise and understand what the will of the Lord is. 

In Colossians 1:9-10 Paul tells the church at Colossi that he doesn't cease to pray for them that they might be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding and that they should walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.

So many seek only God's hand but not His face. In doing so they make Him their personal genie that they keep on a shelf until there is a need. 

When we seek His face. We will have joy unspeakable, peace in our souls that passes all understanding and knowledge of how to please Him. We will also be tuned in to His still small voice within us that guides us during every moment of the day when we walk close to Him. 

In Ephesians 6 we learn about how to stand against the world and the wiles of the devil. We must put on the WHOLE armour of God and in so doing we will have done ALL to stand. You can't just put on part of a set of armor. If you try that, there will be parts that are unprotected. Unprotected means exposed to potential harm. Don't make God a genie. Seek His face.