Submitted by Steve and Shawn Clark, Field Coordinators in the Marshall Islands
As I sat by the lagoon one day, I watched two men make their way out into the water. It was a day filled with clouds and overcast. It was raining at times and was not what we would call a great day to go fishing. For me, I like the days when the wind is calm, the sun is shining and the water is a deep crystal blue. This day ,however, was one of the rare gray days here in the islands. There was a slight chill in the air for me and I know for the Marshallese it would be considered a cold day.
Yet, these men with their spears moved out into the water. I knew that they were going fishing to feed their families. Soon, they were deep enough to start looking for fish. I watched them slip on their masks and begin moving along the surface looking for fish. Back and forth along the reef they glided on top of the water. After a while, they began to dive down and bring up fish. It always amazes me how long they stay under the water. I knew that while I could not see them, that they were seeking and searching for the right fish.
In a little while, by my count, they had between fifteen and twenty nice fish. I thought to myself they are finished but then I saw one man stop the other. They were at the edge of the reef where the water changes from light blue to a much darker blue. In a flash the man slipped under the water. It seemed to me like he was down there for a long time. Soon he surfaced and on the end of his spear was a huge red fish. What a time not to have a camera. When telling a story it is hard to convey time, but all of this happened over a couple of hours. The search was not quick and easy but it took time to locate the fish. Once they found the right spot, they took their harvest from the sea.
As I watched these two men I was reminded of Matthew 6:33, here is the verse from the amplified Bible: But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
In my own life just like the fishermen I have found that in seeking the Lord what I need comes! Praise the Lord! I have found that seeking Him cannot be casual or approached lightly. The fishermen were searching through the reef and the rocks to find the harvest. It is the same with seeking the Kingdom of God. It takes time in prayer, in the Word, and in listening to the Holy Ghost. Trust me, this time is not a waste because just like the fishermen if you are persistent the reward will come.
The Word of God is full of scriptures about seeking Him and I just wanted to share a few of them with you today.
Rejoicing and Gladness comes from seeking the Lord!
Psalm 70:4 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.
Understanding comes when you seek Him!
Proverbs 28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
When you seek Him there is no Lack!
“The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those
who seek the Lord lack no good thing” Psalm 34:10.
When you seek Him you are blessed!
Psalm 119:2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the
whole heart.
Finally those who seek Him always have His presence. He will never leave them alone!
Psalm 9:10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
There are so many benefits from seeking the Lord. You can see just from these few verses that all of the things you need will come if you seek Him first in your daily life. Come to Him in faith, not waivering, and what you need will come!
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.