Sermon Notes

Seeking God's Face, Not Just His Hand

If God gave you everything you've been praying for, but withheld His presence, would it be enough?

All find what they truly seek. - C.S Lewis

That raises an important question:
What are we seeking when we come to God? Do we seek His blessing? His answers? His provision? His miracles?

Or...Do we seek Him?

What does it mean to seek God's face?
In Scripture, the Hebrew word for face often refers to God's presence.

To seek God's face is to seek:
- His character
- His heart
- His truth
- His presence
- Relationship with Him.

The problem comes when we want what He gives more than we want Him.

Moses had a choice. He could have accepted God's hand (the land, victory, protection, blessing) without God's face (His presence).
Instead, he essentially said, "I don't want the promise if I don't have the Promiser."

Scripture has always invited us to seek God Himself

From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture is one long invitation: Come to Me.

Not because He can fix everything.But because he is I AM.

God isn't primarily looking for people who need something. He's looking for people who want Him.

Seeking His face changes us

When you seek God's hand, your circumstances become your focus.
When you seek God's face, He becomes your focus.
And when He becomes your focus… everything else begins to change.

You become like what you behold.

Seeking His face requires surrender.

Seeking His face means laying down:
- my plans, my expectations, my comfort, my agenda, my desire for control.

It means saying,"Lord, I don't just want You to bless my plans. I want Your plans."

Protect your time with God.

How do we seek His face?
Practical ways:
- Daily time in His Word,
- Prayer,
- Worship,
- Fasting,
- Talking with Him throughout the day,
- Listening more than speaking

"Seek Him even when you don't feel like it, or when you are too busy, and He will reward your faithfulness." - Boyd Bailey

Something to consider
God's greatest gift has never been what is in His hand. His greatest gift is His presence.

Application:
This week, don't just ask God to bless your plans. Spend time simply being with Him. Read His Word, worship, pray, and ask Him one simple question: "Lord, what is on Your heart today?" Then listen. Seek His face before you seek His hand.