Learn to Seek God, Not His Gifts

In Psalm 14:2 I read, “The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God." (NIV)

Millions of Christians spend all their time seeking what God has to give them and no time seeking God himself.

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

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 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).

Seek God, not just his blessing. That means that, whether or not I get the answer I want, I’ll find joy in knowing God better. Whether or not I get what I think is best for me, I’ll be satisfied with what God thinks is best for me. When I’m going through tough situations, seek God, even more than my deliverance from pain.

This is not a casual pastime. Don’t seek God in my spare moments, after I’m done with work or as I’m scrolling social media. Make getting to know God better the primary focus of my life.

“The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God” (Psalm 14:2 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.

I won’t become an Olympic athlete in my spare time. In the same way, I won’t become a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ by giving him my leftovers. Give him my first and best, and he will keep every promise.

In summary, The LORD looks down to see if there are any who understand, any who seek Him. Most spend all their time seeking what God has to give them and not time seeking God himself. When I’m praying, it’s okay to want a miracle. But, ultimately, it should be God himself I seek, not a miracle, a sign, prosperity, or a thousand other gifts of God. My prayer should be: “God, I want you. I want to know you. When I seek God, I get everything else. God gives many promises for those who seek him. So seek God, not just his blessing. That means that, whether or not I get the answer I want, I’ll find joy in knowing God better. Whether or not I get what I think is best for me, I’ll be satisfied with what God thinks is best for me. When I’m going through tough situations, seek God, even more than my deliverance from pain. Don’t seek God in my spare moments. Make getting to know God better the primary focus of my life. Most of us want just enough of God to bless us, but not to change us. I won’t become a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ by giving him my leftovers. Give him my first and best, and he will keep every promise.

Only a fool denies God. How foolish it must seem to God when people say there is no God. They ignore the evidence that He exists or refuse to live by His truths. For He looks down from above on the world, looking to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks him. When I rely more on myself than on God, I become foolish as well. 

Father, thank you for Your Word and Jesus as my savior and example. You want me and I need you in my life. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can always believe in, have faith in and can trust you in everything. This includes being the authority for my life, the source of my self-worth and my hope for the future. You have my best interests in mind. So I ask you to help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. Help me to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me. 

Today, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, doing well and making a difference in others lives (including my job.) I pray all these things through your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.