What it Means to Seek God

October 2, 2024

Many Christians spend their time seeking something from God and not God himself.

When you’re praying for healing and restoration, it’s okay to want a miracle. But ultimately, it should be God you seek—not a sign, prosperity, or a thousand other gifts of God. Your prayer should be, “God, I want you. I want to know you.”

God gives many promises in the Bible about those who seek him:

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face . . . then I will hear from heaven” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV).

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me” (Proverbs 8:17 NIV).

“Anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).

“If from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul . . . For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you” (Deuteronomy 4:29, 31 NIV).

It’s rare to find someone who’s earnest about seeking God. Most of us want just enough of God to bless us, but not to change us.

This means, whether or not you get the answer you want, you’ll find joy in knowing God better. Even if you don’t get what you think is best for you, you’ll be satisfied with what God thinks is best for you.

I encourage you: don’t seek God in your spare moments, after you’re done with work or after scrolling social media. Make getting to know God the primary focus of your life. Olympic athletes don’t become Olympic athletes in their spare time. In the same way, you don’t become a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ by giving him your leftovers.

One trap that can keep you from getting to know God better is busyness. Just like busyness can destroy your relationships, it can destroy your relationship with God.

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (NIV).

To grow in your relationship with God, you need to make time for him and “be still.” Just a few minutes of focused time every day can make all the difference in the world. I’m not talking hours and hours but 10 or 15 minutes each morning. Only then will you, like Paul, begin “understanding the wonders” of God with greater clarity.  

Make this your daily prayer: “Lord, if I don’t do anything else today, I want to get to know you a little bit better and I want to love you a little bit more.”