Finding God's Location

Scripture: Solomon and the whole assembly with him went to the high place that was in Gibeon because God’s tent of meeting, which the Lord’s servant Moses had made in the wilderness, was there. Now David had brought the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to the place he had set up for it, because he had pitched a tent for it in Jerusalem, but he put the bronze altar, which Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, had made, in front of the Lord’s tabernacle. Solomon and the assembly inquired of him there. 2 Chronicles 1:3-5

Observation: While Israel was in the wilderness, they had Moses' tent of meeting as the home for the Lord. This included the tent ... within the tent was the arc where the Lord sat, and outside the tent was the alter for sacrificing animals. In Solomon's time, these are separate, with the arc in a different tent in Jerusalem, and the tent of meeting and alter in Gibeon. Early in his reign, Solomon goes to Gibeon to offer sacrifices.

Solomon has gone looking for the Lord. Yes, he is relying on a few historical artifacts, but he is also the one putting in the effort to reach out to God rather than just sitting in his throne room in Jerusalem, looking out at the tent that holds the arc, and deciding that somehow means he is close to God.

Application: As a Christian, I know God is everywhere, and by the Holy Spirit I can talk to him in my heart, anywhere at any time. However, that may become a hindrance ... a convenience that prevents me from the task of actually looking for - and thus finding - God.

I should go find God. One of the places I often go to seek him is Maui, and that will present a new challenge when we go there next due to the devastation and likely human challenges we will experience. I live in one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth, yet I never really just find quietness and seek the Lord. Even when alone, I tend to fill my mind with earthly inputs like television and youtube, rather than seeking the Lord.

I have said I would do more of that ... taking quiet time daily to find God and talk with him. Solomon went looking for God and found him, and I know God is not hiding. I need to lean into the desire I have to find God, and take more time to go looking for him.

Prayer: Lord, I do desire to commune with you more. I know I do not pray enough, and when I do it is often just whenever I just happen to be in a time of aloneness. May I instead take time to find you. May I dedicate time to look for you and reach out to you. As I desire your presence, may I know that what I need to do is bring myself into your presence instead of just expecting you to be wherever and whenever is convenient for me. Amen.