Topical Bible: Seeking God: Ensures: His Protection

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The concept of seeking God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of pursuing a relationship with the Divine. This pursuit is not merely a passive acknowledgment but an active, intentional effort to draw near to God. In return, Scripture assures believers of God's protection, a promise that is both comforting and empowering.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible is replete with verses that highlight the protective nature of God towards those who earnestly seek Him. In Psalm 91:14, the Lord declares, "Because he loves Me, I will deliver him; because he knows My name, I will protect him." This verse underscores the direct correlation between seeking God and receiving His protection. The love and knowledge of God are not abstract concepts but are demonstrated through a life dedicated to seeking His presence and will.

Similarly, Proverbs 18:10 states, "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." Here, the imagery of a strong tower conveys the idea of refuge and safety, accessible to those who actively seek God. The righteous, those who align their lives with God's commandments, find security in His name.

Historical Examples

Throughout biblical history, numerous figures exemplify the principle that seeking God ensures His protection. King David, often described as a man after God's own heart, frequently sought the Lord in times of trouble. In 1 Samuel 23:14, it is recorded, "David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not deliver David into his hands." David's reliance on God and his continual seeking of divine guidance resulted in God's protection from his enemies.

Another profound example is found in the life of King Jehoshaphat. In 2 Chronicles 20, when faced with a vast army, Jehoshaphat sought the Lord through prayer and fasting. In response, God assured him of victory, saying, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chronicles 20:15). Jehoshaphat's decision to seek God first led to divine intervention and protection.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the act of seeking God is an acknowledgment of human dependence on the Divine. It is a recognition that true safety and security are found not in human strength or wisdom but in the sovereign power of God. This understanding is echoed in Psalm 121:1-2, "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth."

Seeking God involves prayer, meditation on His Word, and a lifestyle of obedience. It is a holistic approach that encompasses both the heart and actions of the believer. As individuals seek God, they align themselves with His purposes, which in turn positions them under His protective care.

Practical Application

For believers today, seeking God as a means of ensuring His protection involves cultivating a daily relationship with Him. This can be achieved through regular prayer, studying Scripture, and participating in communal worship. By prioritizing these spiritual disciplines, believers can experience the peace and security that come from being under God's protective watch.

Moreover, seeking God requires trust and faith, especially in times of uncertainty or danger. It is an invitation to rely on God's promises and to rest in the assurance that He is a refuge and fortress for those who diligently seek Him. As Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezra 8:22
For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken to the king, saying, The hand of our God is on all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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soul seeking salvation, that ... a real, inward desire to serve God, you can ...
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Paul's Departure and Crown;
... God forbid! ... about doing good"are known as living epistles, because they have been
with Christ; they daily enjoy his guidance and protection, and in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

section second.
... preaching into a means of gain, seeking to extort ... to the believer presupposed, that
promise which ensures the power ... afraid." This peace, as it has God for its ...
/.../the epistle of paul to the philippians practically explained/section second.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he ... be safely lodged under the
care, protection, and mercy ... This is the man that makes not God his trust, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm