God Reveals Himself To Those Who Seek Him – What The Bible Says
The question of whether God reveals Himself to those who seek Him is an important one for many believers. If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Yes, the Bible clearly teaches that God does reveal Himself to those who sincerely seek to know Him.
In this comprehensive article, we will explore what the Bible says about God revealing Himself to those who seek Him. We will look at key Bible verses on this topic and examine them in their fuller context to understand the meaning and promise behind them.
We will also consider questions like: What does it mean to truly seek God? What are some examples in the Bible of God revealing Himself to seekers? How should we seek God if we desire for Him to reveal Himself to us?
What are some obstacles that can prevent someone from finding God even when they are seeking Him?
The Promises of God’s Self-Revelation to Seekers
Jeremiah 29:13 – Seek Me and Find Me
In Jeremiah 29:13, God promises that if we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him. This is an amazing promise that if we sincerely desire to know God, He will reveal Himself to us. As we read the Bible, pray, and walk in obedience to God’s commands, He will make Himself known to us in a real and personal way (Hebrews 11:6).
For example, many former atheists like Lee Strobel or C.S. Lewis set out to disprove God but ended up finding compelling evidence for His existence. When we seek God earnestly, He is faithful to make Himself found.
God desires a relationship with us and promises to disclose Himself to sincere seekers who search for Him wholeheartedly.
Hebrews 11:6 – Rewarder of Those Who Seek Him
Hebrews 11:6 declares that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. This means that the pursuit of knowing God is worth our effort and focus. As we set aside time to read Scripture, pray, worship God, and walk in obedience to His Word, we can be assured that God notices and blesses our desire to know Him more intimately.
For instance, many Christians testify that the more time they spend seeking God in His Word and prayer, the more their faith grows and the closer their walk with God becomes. Just as any relationship requires intentional investment and pursuit, so our relationship with God deepens as we earnestly seek Him day by day.
Proverbs 8:17 – Those Who Seek Me Early Will Find Me
Proverbs 8:17 contains the wonderful promise that those who seek the Lord early and diligently will find Him. This means that it is wise to prioritize seeking God from a young age rather than waiting until later in life.
When children, teens, and young adults devote themselves to pursuing the Lord, they spare themselves much grief and find the satisfying delight of walking with God early on.
For example, George Müller, who founded orphanages housing over 10,000 children in England, started seeking God fervently as a young man and found the faith to trust God to provide for thousands of orphans.
Those who seek the Lord early in life gain a priceless treasure that guides their entire life journey (Proverbs 2:1-5).
Biblical Examples of God Revealing Himself to Seekers
Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3)
The story of Moses and the burning bush is one of the most well-known theophanies (a visible manifestation of God) in the Bible. As Moses was tending his father-in-law Jethro’s flock near Horeb, the mountain of God, he looked over and saw a bush that was on fire but did not burn up (Exodus 3:2).
When Moses went over to investigate this miraculous sight, God called out to him from the bush, identifying Himself as the God of Moses’ ancestors – Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God then commissioned Moses to go to Egypt and lead His people the Israelites out of slavery (Exodus 3:10).
Even though Moses felt inadequate for the task, God reassured him and even gave Moses the ability to perform miraculous signs with his staff (Exodus 4:2-9).
Isaiah’s Heavenly Vision (Isaiah 6)
In Isaiah chapter 6, the prophet Isaiah recounts an awe-inspiring vision he had of God seated on a throne in heaven, with the train of His robe filling the temple. Seraphim surrounded the throne, singing “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty” (Isaiah 6:3).
Isaiah was instantly aware of his own sinfulness and unworthiness in God’s holy presence.
One of the seraphim took a burning coal from the altar and touched Isaiah’s lips, explaining that his guilt was taken away and his sin atoned for (Isaiah 6:7). Isaiah then eagerly responded to God’s call for a messenger, volunteering to be sent.
This powerful encounter with God shaped the rest of Isaiah’s prophetic ministry, as he boldly spoke God’s messages to the nation of Israel.
Saul’s Damascus Road Encounter (Acts 9)
Saul (later called Paul) was an avid persecutor of the early church and follower of Jesus. While on his way to Damascus to find and arrest more Christ-followers, Saul had a life-altering interaction with the risen Christ.
A bright light from heaven shone down on Saul and he heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4).
When Saul asked who was speaking, the voice replied “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:5). Saul was blinded and led into Damascus where a disciple named Ananias was sent to him to restore his sight. From then on, the zealous Saul became a zealous apostle and missionary for Christ.
What It Means to Truly Seek God
Seeking with All Your Heart
Seeking God with all your heart means pursuing Him with passion, determination, and sincerity. It involves dedicating time each day to read Scripture, pray, and meditate on God’s truth. As David wrote, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God” (Psalm 42:1).
When we earnestly seek the Lord, He rewards us by drawing near and revealing Himself to us (Jeremiah 29:13). Though it may take time and persistence, the joy of knowing God more intimately is worth the effort.
Seeking through Prayer
Prayer is essential to seeking God wholeheartedly. Through prayer, we build an intimate friendship with the Lord as we bring our cares, thanks, and requests to Him. Jesus modeled a dedicated prayer life, often rising early or going to solitary places to pray (Mark 1:35).
As we follow His example, opening our hearts fully to God in persistent prayer, we will develop a deeper connection with Him. The more we seek God in prayer, the more He will reveal His love, wisdom and guidance to transform our lives.
Seeking in Scripture
God chose to reveal Himself to us through the Bible, which serves as our guidebook to knowing God. As we dedicate time to studying and meditating on Scripture, we begin to understand God’s character and purposes more clearly.
The psalmists often reflected on God’s word to gain wisdom and draw near to Him (Psalm 119:15-16). Through seeking God in the Bible, we start to see life from His perspective, gaining discernment to follow His will.
Scripture promises that if we seek God with all our heart, we will find Him (Deuteronomy 4:29).
Seeking with Obedience
Finally, true seeking of God leads to obedience. As we spend time with the Lord, His Spirit convicts us and guides us to align our lives with His commands. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15).
Though it may be difficult at times, obeying God’s word out of reverence for Him brings great blessing and closeness with the Father. As we follow His statutes, we demonstrate that our quest for God is sincere.
According to Jesus, those who earnestly seek God by doing His will are His true family (Luke 8:21).
Obstacles to Finding God Even in Seeking
Clinging to Sin
One of the biggest obstacles that can prevent someone from finding God, even when they are seeking Him, is clinging to sin in their lives. As long as we hold onto sinful habits and behaviors that go against God’s standards, we erect a barrier between ourselves and God.
Sin separates us from Him (Isaiah 59:2). If we are unwilling to let go of pride, unforgiveness, bitterness, immoral lifestyle choices, or other sins, we shouldn’t expect to experience closeness with God.
Having a repentant heart is key. We have to come to God with humility, sincerely wanting to turn from our sinful ways. As 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
God will not reveal Himself to someone who still wants to keep one foot in a sinful lifestyle.
Pride and Self-Reliance
Many people seek God while still wanting to remain self-reliant and self-directed. But in order to find God, we have to lay down our pride and realize we desperately need Him. James 4:6 reminds us, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
If we think we can figure everything out on our own, achieve righteousness through our own efforts, or control our circumstances without God’s help, we deceive ourselves. True humility acknowledges our inability to direct our lives wisely or live righteously apart from God.
Rather than clinging to self-rule, we must surrender our will to God’s sovereignty. Instead of self-reliance, we need God-reliance. As we humble ourselves before Him, acknowledging our limitations and need for Him, He will draw near to us as James 4:8 promises.
But pride erects a barrier to finding God.
Failing to Recognize His Revelation
Sometimes people seek God, but fail to find Him because they do not discern His attempts to reveal Himself to them. God most clearly reveals Himself through Scripture and through His Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2).
If we want to find God, we need to diligently study the Bible to understand His character and purposes. We also must learn about who Jesus claimed to be and the salvation He offers.
Beyond Scripture, God reveals Himself in multiple ways like through creation (Psalm 19:1-4), other believers (1 John 1:3), answered prayer (Jeremiah 33:3), life circumstances (Romans 8:28), the conviction of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8), and more.
But we have to intentionally look for God’s hand at work. He promises those who seek Him will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13), but we must open our spiritual eyes to recognize Him when He reveals Himself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, God’s Word makes powerful promises to those who seek after Him. From Genesis to Revelation, we see God revealing Himself to earnest seekers who come to Him with humble and hungry hearts.
If you truly desire for God to make Himself known to you, sincerely seek Him in prayer, Scripture, obedience, and surrendered devotion. Remove any obstacles of sin and pride that may prevent you recognizing Him when He chooses to reveal Himself.
When you seek God with all that you are, placing your deepest trust in Him, you can be confident that He will reward your pursuit with the closest of relationships and the deepest self-disclosure from the Creator to His creation.
