091407

November 14, 2007

Hide 'n Seek and God

by Shana Schutte

Do you remember playing Hide 'n Seek growing up? Do you recall waiting in a hall closet while your heart pounded, and hoping like mad that no one would find you?

Aren't you glad God's not the same?

In Jeremiah 29:13, God doesn't hide where He can't be found, but invites us to look for Him and find Him when He says, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart."

In the Hebrew, the word "seek" specifically involves seeking God through prayer and worship. I just love that. Why? Because contrary to what some people might say, God isn't found by following a long list of religious rules and regulations, walking on hot coals to prove our faith, or reciting prayers in a particular tone of voice. Rather, He's found in sincerity of heart through quiet times alone with Him. His focus is on nurturing relationship with us rather than on duty.

There are few guarantees in life but this Scripture provides us with one: When you seek God with all your heart, you will find Him. There's no wondering if you'll find Him, or doubting that you'll be able to make your way to where He is. Yep, there's no question; He will show Himself to you when you genuinely search for Him.

When I think back to my history with Christ and all the times I've sat quietly with Him, listened for His voice, and studied His Word, He has always come to meet me. Our meetings haven't always involved overwhelming emotion, like I just opened the best Christmas present ever--but sometimes they have. And in those moments, it's been like finding one of my childhood friends in a hall closet, who jumped out with a shout of joy, "You found me!"

I can only imagine that because God invites us to seek Him and find Him, that He is thrilled when we do.

"Seek the Lord and live..." (Amos 5:6).

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---Jesus

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