We’re all seeking something. Some of us are finding answers and results, or so we think. Others are not sure we’re quite worthy or deserving, or will take whatever we can get. Are you finding what you seek? ♦

While not being religious and hypocritical like some of the Christians he knew, Tom believes in God and prides himself in being kind and treating others like he would want to be treated. He doesn’t attend any church and doesn’t really talk much about spiritual matters. He’s always thought such things were personal, that everyone should be free to believe as they wish. He feels that actions ultimately speak loader than words.

To Tom, God exists, but not in the forefront of his mind or life.

Kim believes in God and says that she prays often, though mostly for little things (tests and friendship issues, she says). She doesn’t feel she should ask for big things because she feels she’s “not that good of a person all the time.” She’s trying though and plans to start going back to church this summer.

To Kim, God exists, but is not easily approachable, at least not yet.

Eric believes in God and is excited about his life developments. He’s been recently hired at his first choice company as an engineer right out of school. He’s recently moved into the City with a new roommate and quit the college group at his church since he’s so busy working late at the new job. He’s hoping (and praying) that he gets assigned to be on the team working that new big development project at the firm.

To Eric, God exists, but there’s some other very exciting things happening in his life.

What’s wrong with this picture? Actually with each of these scenarios? Yes, God is there in the mind, even heart, but for Tom, Kim, and Eric, their own personal life is center stage. Certainly God is acknowledged but realistically pushed off behind the side curtains. While not outright rejected, God is simply superseded by their own preoccupations and perceptions of Life and God.

Easy to do. In fact we’ve all done it and do it.

Finding and Seeking
We’re all seeking something. Some of us are finding answers and results, or so we think. Others are not sure we’re quite worthy or deserving, or will take whatever we can get. For some of us, God is in the mix somewhere in there. It’s a little bit like that children’s prayer said at mealtime:

“God is great, God is good, and we thank Him for our food. Amen.”

We know God exists and is supposedly good and loves us and watches over us. Thank you, God. Now I’ll just go on with my life on my own. Amen.

Today, for many, God really doesn’t translate very well with our modern life paces and situations. We’re busy, we make our beds, so to speak, and casts our lots against a competitive and challenging world and marketplace. If anything, God better help me or I’m sunk. Or God’s sunk, as far as playing a meaningful role in my life.

How do we really do this right?

Seeking and Finding
Consider the starting point a right relationship with God. Follow the simple logic of a right relationship with God as deduced from Psalm 25:

• God is good – “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He instructs sinners in the way.” (Psalm 25:8)
• God forgives – “For your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great.” (Psalm 25:11)
• God leads – “Who is the man that fears/honors/trusts the Lord? Him will He instruct in the way that he should choose.” (Psalm 25:12)
• God befriends – “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear/honor/trust Him, and He makes known to them His covenant promises.” (Psalm 25:14)
• God is dependable – “My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net.” (Psalm 25:15)

The challenge then is a wholesale submission of your own will to the will of the One who knows better what plans and paths are laid before you:

• God is at work – “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12)
• God can be trusted – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” – (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Finally, ask in full faith and trust of God as Father and Lord of your life:

• God delivers – “And I tell you, Ask…For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:9-13)

Active Lives Redirected
The true seeker of God will find Him. It’s a promise to count on. Even for Tom, Kim, and Eric. And you and I as well. And it need not derail our lives and the desires and dreams of our heart and soul. We need only become a child of God, in relationship with our Lord, Savior and Redeemer. The One who has given us His Word, the Bible, and a Helper, the Holy Spirit, by which we now have direct access through prayer and can petition yet surrender our will to His. We can trust our Good Father to always show up, in His way and timing. And in that we blossom and grow in faith and substance.

Are you finding what you’re seeking?
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“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” – Revelation 3:20

Categories: Abundant Living, Calling, Devotion, Faith, Jesus, Purpose

Tags: accepting Christ, Believing in God, Finding God, Seeking God