\u201cSeek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore\u201d is not a ritual formula, but a call to a living, daily relationship with God.<\/b> David spoke these words on a day of great celebration: the ark of the covenant\u2014the symbol of God\u2019s presence\u2014had finally entered Jerusalem. But amid the joy and splendid worship, what reigns is not self-satisfied contentment, but a thirst to know God more closely<\/i>.<\/p>\nContext: the ark and God\u2019s presence<\/h2>\n
David understood that the security of the people depended not on the army, but on God. Therefore, the transfer of the ark was accompanied by a solemn worship service:<\/p>\n
\u201cSeek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore!\u201d 1 Chr 16:11<\/a><\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The ark contained the tablets of the law and symbolized God\u2019s reign among His people. In the same way, Christ ministers for us today in the heavenly sanctuary\u2014God is not distant; He is at work for salvation.<\/p>\n
Three dimensions of seeking<\/h2>\n
David reveals three important aspects of spiritual life.<\/p>\n
First\u2014seek the Lord personally.<\/b> A relationship with God is not only participation in worship services. The heart must long for God Himself. The priests continually sounded the trumpets before the ark\u2014worship should be living, not occasional.<\/p>\n
Second\u2014seek His strength.<\/b> David, a brilliant warrior and king, knew that victory over sin and difficulties is possible only through God:<\/p>\n