Topical Bible: Seeking God: should be in the Day of Trouble

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In times of distress and adversity, the act of seeking God becomes a central theme in the biblical narrative, offering believers a source of hope, guidance, and deliverance. The Bible consistently encourages turning to God during difficult times, emphasizing His readiness to listen and respond to the cries of His people.

Biblical Encouragement to Seek God

The Scriptures repeatedly urge believers to seek God, especially in times of trouble. Psalm 50:15 states, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me." This verse highlights the promise of divine intervention and the assurance that God is attentive to the pleas of those who earnestly seek Him.

Similarly, Psalm 34:17 affirms, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles." This passage underscores the relationship between righteousness and divine deliverance, suggesting that those who live in accordance with God's will can expect His aid in times of need.

Examples of Seeking God in Scripture

Throughout the Bible, numerous individuals exemplify the practice of seeking God during crises. King David, often beset by enemies and personal trials, frequently turned to God for help. In Psalm 18:6 , David declares, "In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears."

Another poignant example is found in the life of King Jehoshaphat. When faced with a formidable enemy coalition, Jehoshaphat sought the Lord through prayer and fasting. 2 Chronicles 20:3-4 recounts, "Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. So the people of Judah gathered to seek the LORD, and indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek Him." This collective act of seeking God resulted in divine intervention and victory over their adversaries.

The Role of Prayer and Fasting

Prayer and fasting are often integral to seeking God in times of trouble. These spiritual disciplines demonstrate humility, dependence on God, and a sincere desire for His guidance and intervention. Joel 2:12 calls for such a response: "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning."

The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of prayer in seeking God. Philippians 4:6-7 advises, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This passage reassures believers that through prayer, they can experience God's peace even amidst turmoil.

God's Faithfulness and Assurance

The Bible assures believers of God's faithfulness to those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 states, "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." This verse highlights the necessity of faith in the process of seeking God and the promise of His reward.

Isaiah 55:6-7 further encourages, "Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon." This passage emphasizes the urgency and availability of God's mercy to those who turn to Him.

In summary, seeking God in the day of trouble is a biblically endorsed response that involves prayer, fasting, and a heart of faith. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and promises that assure believers of God's readiness to hear and deliver those who earnestly seek Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 77:2
In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Dilemma and Deliverance
... in the third place, I shall notice man's precious privilege of seeking God, and
so ... we could stay at home in our closets with our God; we should find peace ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/dilemma and deliverance.htm

Prayer Answered, Love Nourished
... so well as I could when I was seeking it"almost ... HAS GIVEN YOU TO YOUR PRAYERS, and
this should compel you ... God's answers have never come too soon nor yet too ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/prayer answered love nourished.htm

Sermon for St. Peter's Day
... so that the weak shall be able to mark that he is seeking and purposing their ... And
if in the dispensations of God's Providence it should happen that ...
/.../xxvi sermon for st peters.htm

Prayer and Trouble
... Why should we not carry our hurts, our wrongs and our ... in prayer, in praying over
them, and in seeking to get ... Prayer allows God to freely work with us and in us ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the essentials of prayer/v prayer and trouble.htm

Whither Goest Thou?
... If you feel able to say, "I am seeking that which is right and ... Why should you be
tried ... You will kick against God's providence if you are a hypocrite; but if you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/whither goest thou.htm

His Name --The Counsellor
... I were in your position," he says, "I should do so ... Tried child of God, your daughter
is sick; your gold has ... to be moved." Young man, you that are seeking to be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/his namethe counsellor.htm

Fenelon -- the Saints Converse with God
... The perfect heart is never weary of seeking God. ... to God, suffer from any secret
disturbance, it should be humble, adore the designs of God, and redouble ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/fenelon the saints converse.htm

A Poor Man's Cry, and what came of It
... your prayer is no better than a seeking after one ... because my time was ill-judged,
and God's time was ... examined by the keenest of lawyers, I should not hesitate ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a poor mans cry and.htm

New Uses for Old Trophies
... the empire of Satan into the kingdom of God's dear Son. ... can suffer as I suffered
when I was seeking Christ ... not say that it is desirable that we should have this ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/new uses for old trophies.htm

Spiritualism.
... The people of God should be able to meet him, as did ... Those who are earnestly seeking
a knowledge of the truth ... exalted to heaven, to become as the angels of God. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /34 spiritualism.htm