Chasing the Beep

There is an annoying beep that can be heard on the main level of my house. It’s a soft beep (not a blaring smoke detector beep), inconsistent, and so far I’ve been unable to pinpoint where the beeping is coming from. Just when I think it’s not going to beep again, it does. Then it will stop for no apparent reason.

Sometimes we find ourselves doing this same thing in our lives. Searching for that “one thing” that will satisfy. Seeking the perfect “one thing” that will bring everything else into alignment. Or perhaps it’s the “next thing” that will make your life right.

When we live our lives in such a way, we are always going to be searching. Always looking. Always seeking. Always pursuing.

And sometimes in this pursuit, we miss out on the best we could have hoped for.

Let’s take a look at what God thinks is worthwhile of our pursuit. The things He believes we should be seeking.

Obviously, God wants us to look for Him. Psalm 105:3-4 (NIV) says it this way. “Glory in his name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”

And Psalm 119:2 (NIV) also says, “Blessed are they who keep his statues and seek him with all their heart.” We must seek God above all else. The rewards are amazing!

And what else should we seek? Here are a few.

“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14 – NIV)

“He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it.” (Proverbs 11:27 – NIV)

“The Lord detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness.” (Proverbs 15:9 – NIV)

“He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” (Proverbs 21:21 – NIV)

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 – NIV)

“Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” (1 Corinthians 10:24 – NIV)

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11 – NIV)

“Flee from evil desire of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22 – NIV)

This is quite a list. Perhaps if we pursue or seek all of these things, we won’t have time to seek our selfish desires.

As we seek God first and foremost, those remaining should be easy to find. They are all qualities of God that keep directing us to Him.

The beeping has stopped…for now. Maybe we’ll never hear it again. I doubt it, but I can certainly hope. But in this moment, chasing that beep has stopped. Now I can continue to seek more productive things…God, His kingdom, and His righteousness.

What are you seeking today?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna