Sunflowers
Image: Bonnie Kittle on Unsplash
Last Saturday morning I planned to go for a run that was about 10 miles. I checked the forecast and saw that it was going to be very warm by mid-morning.
So I set an alarm, my plan was to get up and out before it got too hot. I woke around 6:30am and was off and running by 7:00am.
It was a great temperature and quiet, very pleasant for running with just a few people out exercising their dogs.
I made my way into the local countryside which was stunning and peaceful, with some fields already harvested.
As the sun continued to rise, and things warmed up, I ran past a field that was full of sunflowers. They were open and all facing in the same direction, which was, of course, towards the sun in the east.
They looked beautiful, and they reminded of something in the Bible…
“My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
This Psalm, written by King David, was a prayer of trust and confidence in God to deliver him out of his troubles.
In other words, King David turned to God for help and deliverance. The meaning of the word ‘seek’ used here, is to search out, to strive after, request or inquire.
Turning towards God and seeking His face is one of those themes that keeps repeating in the Bible. God’s face is towards people, but they have to choose to turn and seek Him.
There have been times in my life when I have drifted or lost sight of God. In those moments I have had to seek Him afresh.
On other occasions I have intentionally focused on Him, in times of pain, distress or desperately needing his help and guidance.
In each of these times, God’s face has been towards me. Like the sunflower, I am the one who needs to adjust to seek his face and focus on Him.
God bless you:)
Gary Bastin
Hope Community Church leader