Everyone is searching for something. It could be as mundane as searching for your keys, or as catastrophic as the recent deadly tornado incident and people are searching for loved ones, their home, or just a sense of peace. Can we just pause right here to pray for all those affected by this horrific tornado?
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In today’s society, our younger generation is being bombarded with searching for their physical identities, relational status, where they belong, and on and on. When one feels out of place, they often turn to things that are harmful to themselves. Whether that “thing” is cutting, drinking, or drugs, these young folks are searching for something. My last few years teaching, I witnessed these heartbreaking choices in my 6th graders. Yes! Children as young as twelve were making these choices, and it often became more damaging when students were in high school.
I’m quite sure that we either know of someone who is searching for something, if not ourselves.
As Christmas is right around the corner, I thought about how people in the Bible were searching for something as well.
I turned to Luke 2 and read the true account of Jesus’ birth. Here are my quick finding of those searching for something:
- Roman emperor Augustus: In search of a census. This was the old days “ancestry.com”. He wanted an account of all.
- Mary and Joseph: In search of a place to stay and for Mary to give birth.
- The shepherds: In search of the baby who is the Messiah. Verse 15 says, “Let’s see this thing that happened.” I had to giggle when I read this. God did “a thing”. Thank You, Lord, for doing this “thing”! Your Son is just what everyone needs. The shepherds only knew Him as the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord. Jesus wasn’t given His name until the 8th day.
- Simeon: In search of the Messiah. Simeon was filled with the Holy Spirit. He was eagerly waiting for the Messiah. When he held baby Jesus in his arms, he recognized the baby as the Son of God. He spoke beautiful words and was ready to die peacefully now.
- Anna, a prophet: Was waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
- When Jesus was twelve, His parents searched for Him for three days! He was in the temple. Jesus said, “Why do you need to search? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Jesus isn’t hard to find, y’all. Please CLICK HERE to read about “Hide-n-seek with God”.
- King Herod: In Matthew 2, we see that King Herod wanted to know where this so-called Messiah was. He sent magi to search for Him. We always see three kings, bearing gifts, depicted at the manger scene when Jesus was born. Yet, the Christ was more likely to be around one or two years of age when they found Him, worshiped God’s Son, and gave him gifts. There could have been three or there could have been many more.
All of these people had one thing in common, no matter their motive…Jesus! THIS should be our main search as well.
The first thing you should do in the morning is seek the Lord. Seek Him by praying and reading scripture. When you start your day off with Jesus Christ, your day will have the foundation it needs.
“So above all, constantly seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness, then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. Matthew 6:33 TPT
When looking for your keys, ask God to help. When thinking about those who have suffered catastrophic events, ask God to help them and how you are to help others. When searching for who you are…look to the Lord! May you discover your identity in Jesus Christ. (I actually have been posting journal entries titled “Who am I” and listing words that describe who you are in Christ. I hope you’ll read those and find who you are.)
I pray that you will be accounted for as a child of God by accepting Him as your personal Savior. May you find a place to call home in Christ, as Mary and Joseph search for a place to stay. I encourage you to stay in Christ. Allow God to do “a thing” in your life. He has great plans for you. Like Simeon, eagerly wait for the Messiah. Like Anna, wait expectantly for God to rescue you or whomever from this life. Get yourself in church. The Lord’s house is where people often search for Jesus. Although the Lord is everywhere at all times, the fellowship with others in church is encouraging. Finally, bring Christ your best gifts, like the magi. In all you do, do it for the Lord.
Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others. Colossians 3:23 TPT
Seek the Lord, He’s not hard to find.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
