Daniel 9:3
“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:”
Have you ever had a time in your life when you needed to seek the face of God to get an answer you needed in life? There are many times when people seek the face of God. In times of need, you should seek the face of God. In times of sickness, you should seek the face of God. In times of indecision, you should seek the face of God. In times of heartache, you should seek the face of God. In times when direction is needed, you should seek the face of God. There are many times in your life when you should seek God’s face to get an answer as to what you should do or to get Him to intervene on your behalf.
Daniel came upon one of those times in his life when he read the Book of Jeremiah and could not understand what God was trying to get across. It is interesting the actions that Daniel took as he sought God’s face. Those actions that Daniel performed are the same actions you need to take when seeking God’s face for whatever reason. Let me show you these actions so that you will know what you need to do in those times.
First, seek God’s face in prayer. You will never find the face of God without spending time in prayer. It is always through prayer that one finds the face of God. I fear too often we run to personalities for help instead of to the prayer closet to find the face of God. The only way you will find an answer to your situation is to seek the face of God. It is God Who can meet your needs. It is God Who can step in and turn your situation around.
Second, seek God’s face in humility. Notice when Daniel sought the face of God he went “with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.” It is the humble heart that God notices. God’s face will never be found by the one who presumptuously thinks they can demand God to give an answer. You must always have the mentality that you do not deserve to be in His presence, and that you are entering the presence of a holy God.
Third, seek God’s face through confession. One of the first things Daniel did was to confess his sins and the sins of Israel. When is the last time you truly confessed your sins to God? I’m not talking about saying the ritualistic prayer, “God, forgive me for all my sins.” I am talking about truly confessing to God what you have done. List your sins to God in humility. It is during the time of confession that you will begin to see your depravity and God’s holiness.
Fourth, seek God’s face by being transparent and accepting responsibility. Daniel did not blame his sins on others, but he was honest with God and took responsibility for his own actions. You will never find the face of God as long as you give excuses as to why you did wrong. Admit your wrong, and accept responsibility for your own actions.
Fifth, never give up when you seek God’s face. Daniel prayed until God gave him an answer. My friend, if you want God to step in on your behalf, you must never stop seeking His face. You may have prayed for months or even years, but keep seeking His face until He comes through. There is an answer to your need, but that answer will only be found when you seek God’s face.