Seeking God is an intentional act of the will. We grow in closeness to God as we seek his presence.
What keeps us from seeking God?
Many distractions interfere with our spiritual focus.
- busyness “I’ve got too much to do.”
- computer devices “I have to keep up email, podcasts, internet news sources…”
- social media “I’ve got to check Facebook, Instagram, etc.”
- laziness “I don’t know where to begin, so I’ll do something else.”
- weariness “I’m too tired at the end of the day to add anything else in my life.”
Each distraction can be justified, but each hinders our growth in seeking God.
Seeking God requires us to walk humbly before him, turning aside from sin.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
In humility, we acknowledge Who God is and who we are. He is sovereign over all; we are not.
Through prayer, we have connection with the Creator of the universe because he longs for relationship with us.
Repenting, or turning from sin, is key for removing the roadblocks in our attitudes and actions that are against God’s ways.
The Word of God gives us keys to seeking God: humility, prayer, and repentance.
God gives grace, promising pardon and forgiveness when we turn from unrighteous ways.
The end result? We are drawn closer to God. He has been drawing us into relationship. Joy emerges from within the soul.
When I lost my precious diamond, I kept looking for it, diligently and faithfully. I hoped I would find it, but also realized it was unlikely.
And then one day…
I was sweeping in the same area almost a year later, thinking about the diamond. With each stroke of the broom I hoped to discover the lost sparkle. Instead I found old glitter and sequins.
With a final sweep, I looked down at the dust balls. A dull, shiny pebble was hidden in the dirt.
Picking it up, I rubbed the dust off of it.
I discovered MY DIAMOND!
Hallelujah! I danced and shouted with glee.
My diligent pursuit concluded with joy.
Likewise, when we intentionally pursue our relationship with God, we will gain great joy as we discover more about him.
How have you pursued God lately?
