My aunt once said to me, “Seek the Healer first, not just the healing.” These were life-changing words that have stayed with me, especially during times of waiting and uncertainty. In our quest for solutions, healing, and answers, it’s easy to focus solely on what we want God to do for us. However, Philippians 4:6-7 offers a profound lesson on the true source of peace: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
When we seek God’s presence first, we shift our focus from the outcomes we desire to the One who holds our lives in His hands. This change in perspective is transformative and sustaining. Let me share how seeking God first has brought peace into my life and the lives of those I know.
The Transformative Power of Seeking God
One evening, as I sat with my Bible and a heavy heart. I had been praying fervently for a specific breakthrough, and the waiting had worn me down. It felt like everything I had been praying for was not going to happen. The healing not only I but my family had been praying for did not seem to be manifesting in my body. In fact it felt like things were getting worse. Then I remembered my aunt’s words. In my desperation, I decided to shift my focus. Instead of continually asking for what I needed, I began to simply seek God’s presence. I spent time in worship, read scripture, and allowed myself to rest in the assurance of His love. It was in these quiet moments that I felt an overwhelming peace wash over me—a peace that had nothing to do with whether my prayer was answered and everything to do with the presence of God Himself.
Real-Life Examples of Peace in His Presence
My friend Rachel had a similar experience. She was going through a challenging period in her marriage and had been praying for reconciliation and change. The situation seemed to get worse before it got better. Feeling frustrated and anxious, she decided to focus on deepening her relationship with God. She started each day with worship, immersed herself in the Psalms, and began journaling her prayers. In seeking God’s presence, Rachel found a renewed sense of peace and strength. Over time, she noticed changes in her own heart—patience, kindness, and a deeper love for her husband. These changes influenced her relationship, eventually leading to the reconciliation she had prayed for. But the most significant blessing was the unshakeable peace she experienced along the way.
Another powerful story comes from a woman named Teresa. Diagnosed with a serious illness, Teresa’s initial reaction was fear and anxiety. Her prayers were filled with pleas for healing. A friend advised her to start attending a weekly prayer group where the focus was solely on worship and seeking God’s face. Teresa decided to join, and as she immersed herself in collective worship and prayer, she began to feel God’s presence more profoundly. Her health battle continued, but Teresa discovered a peace that surpassed her circumstances. This peace sustained her through treatments, giving her strength and hope, regardless of the outcome.
The Biblical Foundation of Seeking Him First
Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving. This act of thanksgiving is crucial because it shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have in Christ. It cultivates a heart of gratitude, which opens the door to God’s peace. When we seek God’s presence, we acknowledge that He is enough, that His grace is sufficient, and that His love is everlasting.
Practical Steps to Seek God’s Presence
- Start with Worship: Begin your time with God by focusing on who He is. Sing songs of praise, read Psalms, and meditate on His attributes—His love, mercy, power, and faithfulness.
- Immerse in Scripture: Spend time reading and reflecting on God’s Word. Let His promises sink into your heart and mind, reinforcing your trust in His plans.
- Prayer and Thanksgiving: Present your requests to God, but don’t stop there. Thank Him for His faithfulness in the past and for what He is doing in your life, even if you cannot see it yet.
- Silence and Solitude: Take moments to be still before God. In our busy lives, it’s essential to find quiet moments where we can listen and simply be in His presence.
- Community: Join a small group or prayer group where the focus is on seeking God together. The shared experience of worship and prayer can deepen your sense of His presence.
Valuing the Relationship Above the Answers
Trusting in Jesus means valuing our relationship with Him above the answers to our prayers. It’s about recognizing that He is our ultimate source of peace, joy, and fulfilment. When we prioritize our relationship with God, we find that His presence is sufficient to carry us through any challenge. This doesn’t mean our prayers for specific outcomes are unimportant, but it means that we trust God’s will and timing, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.
Seeking the Healer first, not just the healing, transforms our prayer life and brings us into a deeper relationship with God. It allows us to experience a peace that transcends understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Let us embrace the call to seek God’s presence above all else, trusting that in Him, we find everything we truly need.
