Will we see any snakes?
Allan, a young boy in our neighborhood, asked that question as we started on a hike by the river near our home.
We never have before, I answered, but we might! So lets ask God to keep us safe. We paused, prayed together, and kept walking.
Several minutes later my wife, Cari, suddenly took a quick step backward, narrowly avoiding a poisonous copperhead partially coiled on the path ahead. We waited as the snake left the trail, giving it a wide berth. Then we paused and thanked God nothing had happened. I believe that through Allans question, God had prepared us for the encounter, and our prayer was part of His providential care.
Our brush with danger that evening brings to mind the importance of Davids words: Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always (1 Chron. 16:11). This advice was part of a psalm celebrating the return of the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. It recounts Gods faithfulness to His people in their struggles throughout history, reminding them to always praise Him and cry out to Him (v. 35).
What does it mean to seek [Gods] face? It means we turn our hearts toward Him in even the most mundane moments. Sometimes our prayers are answered differently than our asking, but God is faithful come what may. Our Good Shepherd will direct our paths and keeps us in His mercy, strength, and love. May we declare our dependence on Him.
Recall an occasion when you sought Gods face, when you look[ed] to the Lord and his strength (1 Chron. 16:11). What caused you to call and depend on God? How did the Lord respond to you?