Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. (Ps. 119:2)
It’s inevitable toward the end of a school term: A handful of students rush to their teacher, suddenly interested in doing extra credit. Most of the time, their interest is the result of panic, because they’ve neglected to do enough studying up to this point in the semester. More often than not, teachers can see through their performance; some will be lenient toward the desperate student; others will not. Students who diligently apply themselves are in a much better position to ask for help than their less-enthusiastic classmates.
When you have a sudden, desperate need arise in your life, it’s easier to pray when you’ve spent time every day with God, asking Him to direct your life and obeying Him at every turn. The psalmist strongly tied the priority of seeking God with one’s whole heart to the priority of keeping His statutes. None of us can “buy” an audience with God. We can only approach God through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, taking away our sin. However, any ongoing sin in our lives makes it difficult for us to authentically enter His presence. To seek God with your entire heart, begin by asking Him to expose any area of your life in which you are acting out of line with His Word.
Seek God for a heart that delights in obeying His Word.
Paul Zinter serves as a substitute teacher. He enjoys writing, bread making, and teaching at his local church.
