Absorbed with God — CONTINUALLY
George Stiekes
Seek the LORD and His strength, seek His face CONTINUALLY. (1 Chronicles 16:11)
Stephen Colbert to the graduating class at the University of Virginia: “Your generation needs everything to be about you, and that’s very upsetting to us baby boomers because self-absorption is sort of our thing.”
Without realizing it, he described what is wrong with our nation today.
There is the Law of Design which states: Things work well when they function according to the way they were designed. They work poorly or not at all when that design is violated. God is the Master Designer, the Supreme Creator of the entire universe and absolutely sovereign over everything (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17).
It is crucial, with regard to everything, that it is about God – not us. Colbert spoke of self-absorption when our lives ought to taken up with God-absorption. This is the secret to spiritual growth and an intimate relationship with God.
I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall CONTINUALLY be in my mouth (Psalm 34:1). So shall I keep Thy law CONTINUALLY forever and ever (Psalm 119:44). Therefore turn thou to God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God CONTINUALLY (Hosea 12:6). By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God CONTINUALLY, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name (Hebrews 13:15).
Regarding Prayer:
But will give ourselves CONTINUALLY to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4). CONTINUE in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2). Pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17). Praying always (Ephesians 6:18).
Regarding Faith and Worship:
If ye CONTINUE in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the Gospel, which ye have heard (Colossians 1:23). Let all those that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee: let such as love Thy salvation say CONTINUALLY, the LORD be magnified (Psalm 40:16). But I will hope CONTINUALLY, and will yet praise Thee more and more (Psalm 71:14). Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; CONTINUE in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee (I Timothy 4:16). But CONTINUE thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of… (II Timothy 3:14).
It becomes a matter of God-consciousness, that awareness of God’s divine presence in every aspect of your daily life. Do you CONTINUALLY seek the Lord and CONTINUALLY pray. Do you CONTINUALLY read, meditate on and study His Word? Do you CONTINUALLY gather with other believers for worship, instruction, fellowship and mutual encouragement in the things of the Lord (Hebrews 10:25).
George Stiekes held successful pastorates in churches in Michigan and Washington among other places. He currently resides in North Carolina and blogs at Reverent Reflections. We recommend his ministry and republish his material by permission.