Are you a seeker…?

We have just passed the first anniversary of the death of Judith Durham, lead singer with The Seekers, a musical group formed in 1962 in Australia. They had a string of memorable hits, including Georgy Girl, I’ll Never Find Another You, and The Carnival is Over, and became widely known and loved. I remember hearing their songs on the radio as a young child and especially enjoyed the harmonies. Listening to music like this, plus hearing my dad often whistling harmonies to classical music, is probably what has enabled me to be able to sing harmonies to practically anything, even songs I don’t really know and even though I can’t read music! My brain just knows how!

A dear elderly friend I used to visit, passed away and into the arms of Jesus whilst being serenaded by her daughter and myself as we sang along to her favourite Seekers CD, which was playing in the background. Every time I hear their music, I think of her and look forward to meeting her again one day. ❤

I did wonder about the name of their group though… What were they seeking exactly?! I have yet to find any clues to that question, but it did get me thinking!

For a Christian, or indeed any person who has faith in someone or something, a “Seeker” is someone who is looking for the same thing but hasn’t yet found it. However, the bible has a few things to say about seeking too…

When warning the Israelites against idolatry…

Deuteronomy 4:29 NKJV
But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.

1 Chronicles 16:8-11 NKJV
Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! [9] Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works! [10] Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD! [11] Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore!

2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV
if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Matthew 7:6-14 NKJV
Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking
[7] “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. [9] Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? [10] Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? [11] If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! [12]

Even when we have believed on the Lord Jesus and are saved, we are still to keep seeking. To seek a deeper relationship with Him, to seek spiritual gifts, to seek to grow in holiness, to seek Him in times of trouble…

Imagine a child seeking out a beloved parent when something has gone wrong or made them frightened or sad, and snuggling in close to their side without even speaking. The loving touch of the parent as they enfold the child and draw them close provides comfort and reassurance, and a sense of protection and shelter from the big, bad world. The world won’t get any better, but knowing that someone strong and loving is providing shelter, as a hen covers her chicks with her wings, soothes, reassures and restores a sense of calmness and balance. There is a physical reset as the fight or flight reflex subsides and hormones settle, when someone is shown love in this way. The Lord knows this because He made us! He wants us to seek Him and be comforted and restored.

In these last days, Isaiah 55 has wise words for all!

Isaiah 55:6-7 NKJV
Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. [7] Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.

Let our response be…

Psalm 63:1-8 NKJV
O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. [2] So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. [3] Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. [4] Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. [5] My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips. [6] When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. [7] Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. [8] My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.