What Does The Bible Say About Seeking God?

Seeking God should be the primary goal of every Christian. But what exactly does it mean to seek God, and what does the Bible say about this important spiritual practice? In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the biblical foundation for seeking God, the blessings that it brings, and practical tips for how to seek God effectively in your daily life.

The Biblical Basis for Seeking God

Commands to Seek God

The Bible contains many direct commands telling us to seek God. Deuteronomy 4:29 says, “But from there you will seek the LORD your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Here God promises that He will make Himself known to those who sincerely seek Him. Similarly, 1 Chronicles 28:9 states, “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought.”

This verse emphasizes that we must seek God with our whole being, not just part of ourselves.

In Isaiah 55:6-7, the prophet Isaiah delivers this appeal from God: “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”

God wants us to seek Him because He desires a relationship with us. When we seek Him, He promises to be found by us and show His loving forgiveness.

God Rewards Those Who Seek Him

Along with commanding us to seek Him, God also promises wonderful blessings to those who do. For example, in Jeremiah 29:13, God declares: “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

Seeking God wholeheartedly results in finding Him and entering into a close relationship with Him.

Furthermore, David writes in Psalms 34:10, “The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” Though we may lack food and possessions, when we seek God, He provides everything we truly need for a fulfilled life. So seeking God should be our top priority in life.

In fact, Matthew 6:33 instructs: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” When we put God first, He takes care of our material needs. Seeking God pays off with great spiritual and physical rewards.

Seeking God Should Be Our Primary Purpose

Since God created us to know Him, pursuing Him should be our chief aim in life. As Acts 17:26-27 says, “And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him.”

Our very reason for being is to seek God.

We also need to remember that apart from Christ, we are lost. Luke 19:10 says the Son of Man came “to seek and to save the lost.” And Romans 3:11 declares, “no one understands; no one seeks for God.” We cannot find God on our own; we need Jesus to first find us.

Only through Christ seeking and saving us are we then able to properly seek God.

The Blessings of Seeking God

We Find God When We Seek Him

The Bible promises that when we seek God with all our heart, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). Many can attest that they discovered God only after they made the effort to look for Him. As we open our hearts in prayer, read His Word, and follow His guidance, His presence becomes clearer.

The more we seek, the more we find. God rewards the diligent heart.

For example, one testimony shared on Active Christianity tells of a man who was an atheist for years. But after hitting rock bottom, he finally cried out to God. He started reading the Bible and eventually gave his life to Christ. His perspective shifted completely when he earnestly sought God.

We Gain Wisdom and Understanding

Searching for God enables us to absorb His incredible wisdom. The book of Proverbs urges that if we pursue wisdom, treasure understanding and call out for insight, then we will understand the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 2:1-5). As we bask in God’s presence, our comprehension grows.

We begin seeing life situations through His lens.

Studying the Bible gives practical guidance for questions we face. God teaches us how to navigate challenges in relationships, work, finances and more. For instance, when we apply principles from Proverbs about diligent work and financial integrity, we make wiser decisions.

Seeking God brings direction from the source of all knowledge.

We Experience God’s Presence and Joy

Most importantly, pursuing God wholeheartedly leads to a glorious encounter with His very presence. We were created to know God intimately. When we seek Him, we find unspeakable joy. Many describe it as coming home. Psalm 16:11 (ESV) says in God’s presence there is “fullness of joy.”

Who wouldn’t want that?

In God’s presence, we also find indestructible peace and comfort. As Philippians 4:7 (ESV) explains: “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” What a blessing to be shielded by Almighty God!

There is no greater treasure than pursuing a deep connection with our Creator.

How to Seek God

Read and Study the Bible Daily

Seeking God starts with knowing God, and the primary way we get to know Him is through reading and studying the Bible. The Bible is God’s Word to us – it reveals who He is, what He’s like, and what His plan is for our lives (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Making Bible reading and study a consistent daily habit is so important for growing closer to God. Here are some tips for studying the Bible effectively:

• Get a study Bible or use online resources to understand the context and meaning of passages.
• Highlight key verses and take notes on passages that stand out.
• Memorize and meditate on Scripture.
• Ask God to reveal Himself to you through His Word.

The more time we spend in the Bible, the better we’ll know God. His Word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (Psalm 119:105). As we read and study, God will reshape our thinking and align our hearts with His purposes.

Spend Time in Prayer

Prayer is essential to seeking God because it’s our primary way of communicating with Him. Through prayer we pour out our hearts to God, bring our requests to Him, align our will with His, and simply spend time in His presence. Here are some tips for meaningful time in prayer:

• Find a quiet place free of distractions.
• Begin with praise and worship, focusing on God’s character.
• Pray through Scripture, turning verses into prayer.
• Make specific requests known to God.
• Ask God to search your heart and align you with His will.
• Listen to what God may be speaking to your heart.

It’s good to establish a regular prayer time, but we can also pray throughout the day. Seeking God means continually setting our minds on Him through prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Participate in Corporate Worship

Attending church provides opportunity to collectively worship God with other believers. According to Hebrews 10:25, we shouldn’t neglect gathering together. Here are some important elements of corporate worship:

• Singing – Singing praise and worship songs together magnifies God.
• Prayer – Congregational prayer aligns the church body in depending on God.
• Preaching – Listening to biblical teaching equips us to live for Christ.
• Communion – Taking the Lord’s Supper reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice.
• Fellowship – Connecting with other Christians provides mutual encouragement.

Being part of a church helps believers seek God together. It’s a place to grow in faith, use our gifts to serve, and live out the one anothers of Scripture.

Serve God and Others

Actively serving God and others is a tangible way we can seek Him. Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God and love others (Matthew 22:36-40). Here are some ideas for service:

• Use your spiritual gifts and talents to serve in church.
• Share your faith and make disciples.
• Volunteer for a ministry reaching those in need.
• Go on a short-term missions trip.
• Adopt a compassion child.
• Visit widows, orphans, and prisoners.
• Do acts of kindness for your neighbors.

As we step out in service and give of ourselves, we’ll grow closer to God. He often speaks most clearly when we’re serving others in Jesus’ name. Our eyes are opened more widely to His purposes.

Seeking God with our whole hearts is so vital for following Him all the days of our lives. Let’s passionately pursue knowing Him through His Word, prayer, corporate worship, and selfless service. God promises that when we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).

Conclusion

Seeking God is a lifelong journey that we must pursue wholeheartedly, not just during conveniently scheduled quiet times. As we seek God in His Word, in prayer, and in service to others, we will find ourselves drawing closer to Him each day.

Although the path is sometimes difficult, God promises that if we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him. May we all keep seeking God until the day we see Him face to face in eternity.