Poem from Hebrew words: daqash/barash

Look to the Lord and his strength, seek his face always.  We find at least twice in Scripture. (Ps: 105.4 and 1 Chro. 16:11) These verses suggest two different ways of connecting with God.  “Looking to the Lord” is the verb darash,(day-raash’)  which is Hebrew for “investigate thoroughly, study the accounts of.”  “Seeking his face” is baqash, (bah-cash) which is Hebrew for having a face-to-face intimate time with God.  

Isn’t it wonderful to consider these two opportunities?  First we are called to study and think about all that God has done in history, examine his portfolio, look at his ledgers,  contemplate his whole story.  In addition, our Lord wants us to have face time with him, an intimate connection, a heart-to-heart talk.   Experiencing God both ways is interactive and transformative.

The Hebrew words darash and baqash intrigued me, so I played around with them. They rhyme, sounding like “lash” and “crash”.  So here’s a ditty for your pleasure. Laugh with my silliness, but enjoy God’s word more.

My life does clash.  

So baqash - darash.  

My heart to ash. 

Towards God I dash. 

The Spirit I splash.