Seeking after God. It’s a concept we come across frequently in scripture. But God is Spirit; he’s invisible to us. How do we seek after someone we can’t see?
Perhaps we can answer that question by considering the ways we seek a person, who can be seen.
Example #1:
When my husband, Steve, and I are separated in a crowd, it’s quite amazing how quickly I can spot him. Beyond height, hair, and eye color, I know the breadth of his shoulders, the way the hair grows on the back of his head, the shape of his ears. In fact, it’s such nuances as these that draw my attention, even more than the descriptors listed on his driver’s license.
Perhaps our first step in seeking God is to get to know what he looks like, although not his physical Being, since he’s chosen not to reveal himself that way. But as we read his Word, the Bible, we become familiar with who he is. Through frequent, thoughtful study—not occasional reading—we learn about his character and his ways. One guiding question can train us to seek God as we study: What does this passage teach me about God?
Example #2:
Sometimes I find Steve in a crowd when I hear his voice or the timbre of his laugh.
Step two in seeking God: We can listen carefully for his voice, although he rarely chooses to speak audibly. More often he communicates his wisdom and encouragement to us through the Bible, and the voices of wise and mature Christians—spoken and written.
God also speaks directly into our spirits, so we must cultivate the habit of listening carefully for strong but silent impressions. We can ask God to make clear if those thoughts are indeed from him. He will affirm.
Example #3:
I know Steve’s signature. Give me a sheaf of papers with Steve’s name written by different people, and his distinctive style will stand out from the others.
Step three in seeking God: Look for his distinctive signature of wisdom and power in his people and in God-incidents.
Even in creation, “God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made” (Romans 1:19).
Take note of the slow loops of a circling hawk, the graceful curve of a flower stem, the straight, tall sentries of a pine forest. Pay attention to the perfect oval of a ladybug, the teardrop shape of a milkweed seed, or the mounds of clouds in a summer sky. You’ll soon find that God loves variety, pattern, organization, beauty, intricacy, and color. Your heart will begin to respond with wonder and praise for your magnificent, powerful God.
Example #4:
Steve doesn’t even have to be with me, and my thoughts will turn to him. A song, a phrase, a person who reminds me of someone from our past, and I think, “Oh, Steve would like this,” or, “I’ll bet Steve would agree he looks just like So-and-So.”
Just looking down at my new Mother’s Day watch, and I’m reminded of my thoughtful, generous husband.
Step four in seeking God: As we get to know God through the Bible, as we learn to hear his voice, as we see his signature everywhere, we find our thoughts turning to him throughout the day. A song may urge a response of praise. A phrase might prompt a prayer, a person’s gracious kindness causes us to reflect upon his character shining through that individual.
And every blessing should result in gratitude.
Seeking God is an ongoing, progressional process. Awareness of his presence grows slowly yet continually. Perhaps God planned it that way so we always have more delights to discover about our Heavenly Father until we do see him face to face.
Seeking after God can begin with a simple prayer: God, I want to know you more intimately, to sense your presence even though I can’t physically see you. And I want you to be an integral part of my life and thoughts. Nothing could be more satisfying than a close relationship with you. This is what I seek.
That’s my prayer. Will you seek God with me? What steps have helped you to seek after God?
(Art & photo credits: www.experienceproject.com; http://www.luddite1811.blogspot.com; http://www.revelife.com; http://www.finartamerica.com; www.hullquist.com.)
great example, Nancy. This could easily be a magazine article. You know another way is how my hubby and I think the same things at the same time. We know each other so well, our thought merge like Star Trek Vulcan mind trick. lol. well, I do know sometimes I behold the mind of God and get a glimpse of Him. Good thoughts!
Thank you, Jean, for your encouragement, and for Example #5: As we seek to set our minds on what the Spirit desires (Romans 8:5), our thoughts mesh with God’s thoughts. Not that we will ever know completely the infinite mind of our Heavenly Father, but we will experience abundant life and peace (v. 6)–two benefits of an intimate relationship with him!
I absolutely love this Post!!!! I may re-blog this for Saturdays MS&D, if that is OK with you???
Take Care and God Bless 🙂 Kenny T
I would be honored to be reblogged. Thank you, Kenny!
Reblogged this on Morning Story and Dilbert.
Thank you again, Kenny. My heart is soaring to know others are blessed by this post!
Very very well written…
Thank you very much. I am filled with joy that others find this post meaningful!
Beautifully written! I especially agree with your words about how He affirms His intents and directions when we learn how to ask, then hear and recognize. It can be something small, like witnessing a moment in nature, a simple word from a toddler, opening a book and finding an answer that ‘seems’ unrelated, logging into a social page and immediately finding a post…such as this…with confirmation of a few words thought or spoken or read elsewhere. Thank you for sharing this inspiration!
You are welcome, Lee. Thank you for your affirmation that God does indeed make himself known when we make ourselves available. I’ve had similar God-incidents as you list here, when he has definitely spoken to my heart. It’s miraculously uplifting, isn’t it?
Most assuredly!
Reblogged this on The Grange Community and commented:
This is a really great article, just read and learn…
So appreciate your support. Praise God for using the post to minister to others!
Beautiful writing !! Re-blogged this on Godsmanforever…
Blessings in Christ, bruce
Thank you, Bruce. I am honored you found the post worth passing on to others!
What a wonderful post! Indeed, He will show Himself to us, when we seek Him Thanks so much for this today! Glad for MS&D re-blog 🙂
Delighted that the post ministered to you, Heidi!
I agree, great post. Very well written. Yes, it could be a magazine article. Thanks for passing this on Morning Story
Thank you very much for your encouragement!
I think of how my spouse knows me and is my best friend, best encourager, best supporter, my biggest fan etc; God is that way, too! I’m gonna press this – very good one! Thank you!
Thank YOU, Bitty Girl! Praise God for all the ways he shows his love. I’m delighted you found the post meaningful.
Great post! We need to be reminded that God is always there waiting to hear from His beloved children.
Oh, yes. Like the father in the parable of the prodigal son, He waits–ready to shower us with the blessings of His love. Thank you for stopping by, Jean! I am delighted you found the post meaningful.
Love the post Nancy, as always. I know I rush around and don’t take the time to know God’s presence. I will remember your post and learn to be still and know God and let Him know how grateful i am for His blessings.
Thank you, Laura. We can remind each other!
Reblogged this on Keep On Walking and commented:
Happy Sunday! Thanks for sharing this wonderful message
Thank YOU for coming alongside with your kind support.
I appreciate your very clear examples–a question many in our world struggle to understand. One of my favorite passages from Jeremiah!
Thank you, Vickie. I’m delighted that you found the examples to be clear!
I love your picture of the nebula–or whatever that spectacular object is. It reminds me of God’s signature the rainblow. It’s not coincidental that the rainbow has seven colors. Thank you for the reminder to seek God always.
Oh, yes — seeking God always. Who was it that spoke about, “Further up and closer in?” (Or something like that!) In other words, the more we seek, the more pleasurable the seeking becomes. Hallelujah!
Thank you for commenting, Sheryl!
Reblogged this on Richard's Watch and commented:
Some wonderfully written tips here on ‘how to’ – and Amen to your closing prayer Nancy. (Thanks Kenny for this link).
Thank you for stopping by Richard. ‘So glad you found the tips worthwhile and the closing prayer meaningful. Praise God!
Amen.
Thank you, Letitia, for stopping by. Praise God for his inspiration and words that touch people’s hearts!
Nancy, I believe this is your BEST blog thus far. Inspired for sure; and coming to me at just the right time. Mostly I was reminded to spend more quiet time in the Word. I have definitely recognized God’s presence and reassurance and comfort during the very hard time of losing my brother in 2006. Little whispers of encouragement from the Holy Spirit that were not mere concidences during that time. The Holy Spirit is using you to encourage and uplift me and I praise the Lord for our long and continued friendship. Sisters in Christ is what we are and I love and value you. Love, Cheri
Thank you, Cheri. YOU encourage and uplift ME! Yes, indeed, sisters in Christ, though separated by many miles. Thank you for sharing about God’s love and comfort during your grief. That supports the faith of all of us who know you and/or read your testimony above. Love to you also!
I really like that post so helpful.
Praise God he used this posts to help you! I am honored and grateful.