When you think of living, what comes to mind?
Existing? Thriving? Just getting through the day?
I’m in the middle of a Bible Study on the book of Amos, and four little words have deeply stuck with me. I have pondered, analyzed, and prayed over these words to ensure I am truly living.
It first shows up in Amos 5:4
“Seek me and live.” then again in Amos 5:6 to ensure we hear these words powerfully in case we glossed over them the first time. “Seek the Lord and live.”
It made me reflect on what daily living looks like. From this verse, God is making it clear that if we aren’t seeking Him, then we aren’t living. I think it’s pretty scary to go through life like that, and I want to make sure that I don’t fall into the trap of false living.
The word seek is a strong action word. It pressures us to pursue, seek out, and be relentless in finding the Lord so we can live. He hasn’t left us or disappeared from our lives, but a lot of times, it is we who have taken a different path.
We assume we have the strength and the stamina to deal with whatever comes our way. Pride and self-reliance find their way into our thinking and actions; without realizing it, the Lord is pushed out of our daily lives and lives.
The verse says to seek Him and live, which can only mean one thing – we are dying without Him. It is a spiritual death that happens slowly daily when we are not letting God into our hearts and into our daily lives. He is life, and nothing or no one can give us the life we should be living in Christ.
I have found that happiness is fleeting and short-lived, and joy is deeply rooted, abiding, and life-giving. This is the life we must seek out.
How can you live the life you were destined to live? A life where no matter what your circumstances are, you still have peace and an unwavering hope for your future.
Here are three simple but powerful ways to seek the Lord and live:
- Read His Word often. Even a few short sentences can have the power to change your day and your life. Read, reflect, and let the Holy Spirit open your heart and mind to God’s truth.
- Pray. To have a relationship with someone, you must spend time with that person and have conversations. That’s what prayer is. God desires your time and your words to Him. He also has something to say to you also. Seek out His presence so you can start living.
- Pray His Word back to Him. This is such a powerful way to communicate with God. It gets His Word, promises, and love into the two areas of your life where you need it the most. Your heart and mind. I have found this to be one of the most powerful practices in prayer.
I will end by asking you, “Are you living?” Truly living?
Don’t spend another day dying a spiritual death and forfeiting all that God has planned for you. Pray the four words in Amos today, and expect your life to change!
Until next time, “Seek the Lord and live.”
~pat
