An element of life is a vital component that creates and sustains my existence. In my early school days, I learned that the four essential elements of life were Earth, Wind, Fire, and Air. Chemically, the essential elements of life are carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur. Some would argue that love and food are the elements of life, the former nourishing the soul, the latter the body.
Recently, my pastor, Rev. Swann, challenged the congregation to spend a week reading, studying, meditating, and praying on Psalm 27. Each day, I approached this task, reading various translations, researching commentaries (you knew I would), and journaling. Sometimes I just prayed, “God, what is a lesson from this psalm?” God’s response negated all those previous lists of elements. He said, “I am the only element you need.”
6→4→2→1
Our perspectives lead us to differing lists of essential elements of life. Six chemical elements. Four ancient elements. Two philosophical elements. However, when our perspectives zero in on the creator of heaven and earth, there is only one element of life: GOD.
Psalm 27:8 states:
“You have said, ‘Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need].’ My heart says to You, ‘Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek, inquire for, and require [of necessity and on the authority of Your Word].’” (bold added)
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)[1]
God tells us to seek his face. In the AMPC, we learn that seeking God’s face demands that we ask for and require his presence. Why? Because his presence is our vital need. We need his presence to sustain us. To lead us along the paths of righteousness. To bestow knowledge. To foster hope. God is THE one element of life.
The Element of God
As the creator, God combined the elemental molecules that formed us.
As the life-giver, God is the element of air blown into our lungs.
As Jehovah Jireh, God provides the elements of earth and food to nourish us.
As the judge of all, God sends the element of wind to separate the grain from the chaff.
As the Holy Spirit, God fans the element of fire to lead, guide, and convict us.
As the parent, God is “all about love,” the element that moves us to do his will: to love him in return and to love our neighbors.
Seeking the Element of Life
Knowing that God is the vital element of our lives, how do we ensure we receive this crucial component? God’s word tells us how. We inquire for, that is, ask God to reside with us. We require, that is, draw near with authority, faith, and expectation. We yield our hearts, souls, and minds to God’s will. We let God know by thought, word, and deed that we are his. We confess when we have strayed. We acknowledge his lordship over our lives.
God is Our Vital Element
Many scriptures mirror the psalmist’s instruction to seek God. Notably, Deuteronomy 4:29 and Jeremiah 29:13 charge us to seek God. In the AMPC, both scriptures tell us that God’s presence is a “vital necessity” in our lives. God is waiting for us to come to him. Seek him, for he is the one element of life.
Reflection
How will you ensure that you have that one element of life that everyone needs: God?
[1] Click here to understand the amplifications used in the AMPC Bible.
Thank you, Sabrina, for another beautiful blog. As long as we keep God first in our hearts and follow the path that He leads us on, how can we go wrong? Truly Beautiful!