GOD WILL NOT FORSAKE THOSE THAT SEEK HIM

Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed; a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee.

It is evident that David trusted in God and sought Him throughout his lifetime. In this Psalm, David gives thanks to God and praises Him for the guidance, comfort and protection that God has given him in his time of need. In our lesson text, David recommends to allIsrael, to place their trust in God and seek Him for all their needs. In the following verses of this Psalm, David acknowledges and thanks God for answering his prayers when he sought Him in time of need. This is our lesson: God will not forsake us in our times of trouble and need if we will faithfully place our trust in Him and continually seek Him. For His blessings and answers toour prayers, we should always be thankful and give God thankful praise.

To seek means to search for, to try to find, to try to learn, to ask or inquire about, or to pursue after. It means to try to find something or someone. In this lesson, it is recommended that we seek God. When should we seek Him? When oppressed and in times of trouble, if we but seek God's advice, protection, guidance, solace, He will not forsake us. How comforting, to know that we are not alone in such trying times of need. We are assured that we will always have God at our side if we want Him the most.

We seek out an attorney when we have legal questions; medical doctors when ill; a public accountant with tax questions. Throughout life, we are constantly seeking others in our time of need. We do this because we know we do not have the knowledge needed for these specific questions or situations. To do so is good logic. We should not rely on our own knowledge and instincts in times like these. Others are better prepared to give advice on these matters, and we should seek, and use, their counsel. However, God is telling us in the lesson text, to look to Him for all things. Seek God's wisdom when selecting the best doctor, public accountant and attorney. Seek God's counsel in choosing your companion in marriage. Seek Him in your education and job selection; in the purchase of a new home. Seek Him in times of sorrow, sadness, depression, and when troubles arise. Seek Him in all things; seek Him in every decision that you must make. His promise is that He will not forsake us in these times of need.

There are many Old Testament scriptures telling of David seeking God's counsel at numerous times in his life. At one point God replies, I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye (Psalm 32:8). Also, in Psalm 73:23-24 we find God's willingness to lead David, as well as us today, if we faithfully seek Him, and obey His will. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: Thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Isaiah wrote this to the Jewish nation, saying, and the Lord shall guide you continually (Isa. 58:11). These passages should assure us that God is always there to give advice, guidance, and comfort to those that seek Him. What consolation it is to know that God's hand will lead us where we should go and help us to do what we should do, continually - at all times - if we will but seek Him.

Here is what God promised Solomon, and promises all that seek Him today. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of His saints (Psalm 2:6-8). How important should God's wisdom, knowledge, and understanding be to each of us? We are to seek them as silver, and search for them as hid treasures (Psalm 2:4). People avidly seek treasures, precious metals, and gems. Indeed, we should seek God's counsel to a greater degree.

Finally, we all need food, water, clothing, and shelter. God knows our physical needs, and will provide them to all of His faithful children that seek them through Him. These physical blessings are very important to us. They sustain our lives here on earth. However, Jesus Christ says, seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Seek God first. Seek Him often. Seek Him in all things. He will not forsake you!