July 17, 2025 -- Psalm 105:4-5 -- Hey, what do you keep thinking about when you're not thinking about anything at all?

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People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Seek the LORD and his strength;
    seek his presence continually!
5 Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
    his miracles, and the judgments he uttered,
Psalm 105:4-5 ESV
 
The command seek the LORD is found in more than a dozen places in the Old Testament. It can also mean inquire of Him, like speaking to Him in prayer bringing your requests to Him. It puts into perspective the life of Jesus as it is recorded in the Gospel According to Luke. More than a dozen times Luke records that Jesus went off to a lonely place to pray. Clearly Jesus was obedient to this command, both in His private life and in His public life.
 
Psalm 105 adds to this phrase to the command “and His strength.” Think of all the ways we need the strength of God:

  • Strength to witness.

  • Strength to fight spiritual lethargy.

  • Strength to push through formulaic prayers and deeply engage with God.

  • Strength to fight temptation.

  • Strength to live in Christian community when things are tough.

  • Strength to receive others.

  • Strength to love the unlovable.

  • Strength to be obedient to His commands, at all times.

  • Strength to carry out one’s duties in view of the fact God is holy.

  • Strength from God which sustains the weary.

  • Strength to face persecution.

  • Strength to observe the Sabbath as holy.

  • Strength to guard the eyes and heart from the corrupting influences of the world.

 
Look at the repetition, seek His presence continually. Repetition was used for emphasis. Usually the repetition added a new idea or nuance. That is the case here. Seeking of the LORD is not merely commanded so that His people will slavishly obey Him. The goal is to seek Him, to have such a rich and deep and beautiful relationship with God that He is your life’s prize; by continually seeking Him He becomes your heart’s ultimate desire; He is the treasure which time nor thief can steal. Knowing this reinvigorates the desire to seek the LORD and His strength.
 
Memory is a key component of this cycle of seeking the LORD. In my work among men who are incarcerated, I meet so many who continually remember what happened. In the retelling bitterness and anger grow stronger. No doubt, like me, you can name many people who are free, not physically in jai, but are behind the bars of their own bad memories and hateful past. They rehearse these events endlessly until an odd word or a sideways look can cause them to fly into rage and anger. The cherished presence of the LORD gets crowded out by this hindrance of bad memories. The psalmist is wise. He is familiar with the ways of the human heart and both commands and invites believers to test the LORD in this. Seek His presence continually. Look how you will be changed by the glory of God and preaching His majestic works to your heart and mind.
For the last number of years, when I take my regular walk, I will listen to a bible-reading app. It is a wonderful way to put the Word of God into my heart. Scripture is meant to be spoken aloud. It is for hearing. To have someone else read the bible is such a blessing. Stories, events, and lessons from the bible heard during these extended times of bible-listening keep the lessons fresh. I know for myself it is easy to get caught up in a negative cycle of thoughts especially when I am alone with my thoughts. I can lose all perspective when I spend too much time just rehashing circumstances or events or the words of others. What the psalmist says about seeking the presence of the LORD and bringing to mind all His works, His miracles, His love, His judgments—ah, what blessed relief flows into the life of His people when they rehearse all He has done and is doing.
 
Oh LORD my God, I give thanks to You!
I call out, trusting in Your Name.
As I remind myself what You have done and are doing in my life, break through the cycles of despair and anger.
Lift Your child, called beloved through the Lord Jesus Christ, to the place where I know Your love more fully and that knowledge be without any tinge of self-pity or self-righteousness.
Gracious God, work in Your sons and daughters individually and communally so that together we will rise and sing Your praises and declare Your glory far and wide.
Help us to seek You and Your strength
and by Your Spirit motivate us to seek the presence of Jesus,
Who is the radiance of the Father’s glory.
Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/Q3aP5iuJITg?si=NOeSXpnbxiD0dib2 Zach Williams – Rescue Story
 

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