Have you ever so intently looked for something that you missed it entirely? Today as I stood staring into my daughter’s pantry looking for plastic cling wrap, it may as well have been invisible. She walked up behind me and pointed and it suddenly appeared.
I was reminded of my youngest every time he couldn’t find something. He’d ask me for help and I’d tell him exactly where to look. He would proceed to the spot and before he’d even glanced around, he’d invariably say, “Mom, it’s not here.” That’s when I’d do what I should’ve done to begin with for this child of mine who prioritizes “together” above everything else! I’d go pick it up from exactly where I’d told him he’d find it and place it in his hands. If I asked his wife, there’s a good chance she’s done the same!
In spite of deliberately putting something important away where I’m sure I’ll remember it, I still often search without success. (Ask my husband about the car keys.) Thankfully, there is one thing I’m confident of finding each time I look.
The Old Testament prophet, Jeremiah, recorded this promise from God for Israel when they were exiles in Babylon. It follows the well known declaration, “for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.” God’s intention, even in exile, was to prosper His people. The way this would happen is the very same way it always happens!
“When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree.“
Jeremiah 29:13 MSG
https://bible.com/bible/97/jer.29.13.MSG
“The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.”
Psalms 14:2 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.14.2.NLT
Jesus harshly addressed the Jewish leaders, who were harassing him about healing on the Sabbath and calling God His Father, with a diatribe highlighting their own ignorance of God’s ways.
“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.”
John 5:39-40 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.5.39-40.NLT
Never stop seeking Him! We have many examples in the Bible of earnest seekers who were rewarded in their search.
“John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.””
Matthew 11:2-5 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.11.2-5.NLT
“There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.””
John 3:1-3 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.3.1-3.NLT
We have one of the most well known and often repeated verses of Scripture because of this interchange.
““For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.3.16.NLT
“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me.”
John 14:6-10 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.14.6-10.NLT
What are you looking for today? Has your search been rewarded with success? Many of the things I’ve found in my searching have satisfied temporarily, but God’s Word, illuminated by His Spirit, never disappoints! He’s true to His Word.
Thank You, Father, that “when I come looking for You, I find You” every time. “Yes, when I get serious about finding You and want You more than anything else, You make sure I won’t be disappointed.” So I will “keep on asking, seeking, knocking. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. So if sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
Luke 11:9-10, 13 NLT
A Fitting Reply 
What powerful words, what a wonderful testimony!
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