Seek God First In All Things

(This was written many months ago when I became unemployed. This same words remain true as I begin a new job this morning!)

Many of you know that my father was a pastor. He made mistakes just like any other Dad. Some big, some not so big. I know that my Dad had tons of regret about short comings … but he taught me some really great things too! I don’t think Dad ever thought or realized the impact he would have in some of the positives that he instilled in me. As I reflect on that tonight, I realize that Dad prepared me for tough days like I am experiencing right now.

Dad taught me that I should “never doubt in the dark what I knew to be true in the light.” He knew that I would experience doubt many times in my life. When he said these things to us he was teaching us that if God’s word makes a declaration, … trust it! Dad taught me that God would come through and show His promise to be true, ALWAYS!

So as I reflect on ... the new direction for the next phase of the journey, it is a great comfort to have had a Dad that instilled a deep trust in God, His word and His trustworthiness in times of trial.

Dad taught me to pay attention to the wisdom, strength and promises found in these passages. I hope you find them to be a source of encouragement, hope and strength when you endure the tough days.

1 Chronicles 16:11 - Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face continually.
Psalm 25:9 - He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
Psalm 25:12 - Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose.
Psalm 31:3 - Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
Psalm 32:8 - I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
Psalm 37:4,7 - Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass ... Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.
Psalm 37:23 - The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.
Psalm 73:24 - You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Proverbs 1:33 - But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.
Proverbs 2:6-9 - For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice, and He preserves the way of His godly ones. Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity and every good course.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 11:3 - The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
Proverbs 12:26 - A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Proverbs 16:9 - A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
Isaiah 30:21 - Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left'
Isaiah 58:11 - The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 33:3 - Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.
Matthew 6:33 - Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Luke 11:9-10 - "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
John 8:12 - When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
John 14:26 - The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 16:13 - But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
1 Corinthians 10:13 - God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Philippians 2:13 - It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach.

How big is your God tonight? Mine is awesome and too large to define!
Thanks Pops. I’ll see you again because of Jesus!

Love, Stephen