Seeking God is a core tenet of the Christian faith. The Bible is full of verses promising that God will reward those who diligently seek Him. But how do you actually seek the Lord in a way that’s meaningful and impactful?
This article is designed to offer practical guidance on how to effectively seek the Lord in your daily life. We’ll cover:
- The importance of wholehearted devotion
- How to overcome obstacles in your spiritual journey
- Strategies for prioritizing God above all else
Let’s explore how to deepen your relationship with God through intentional and purposeful seeking.
What does it mean to seek God?
Seeking God is more than just a one-time event. It’s more than just showing up for church services or saying a quick prayer before meals. Instead, it’s a lifestyle.
Seeking God’s presence
Seeking God’s presence means making a conscious effort to focus your mind and heart on him. It’s an intentional act.
Psalm 105:4 reminds us to “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
It’s important to remember that God’s presence isn’t always a constant, manifest experience. Sometimes, it requires perseverance and faith to feel close to him.
Seeking as a covenant commitment
Seeking God is a continual process. It’s a lifestyle of drawing near to him, prioritizing him in all aspects of your life: in your decisions, in your relationships, and in the choices you make every day. It’s a covenant commitment to live a God-centered life.
Seeking God with Your Whole Heart
When you seek God, you should seek him with your whole heart.
Surrender and Transformation
Seeking God with your whole heart means complete surrender. It means realizing that your life is not your own. As Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”
Surrender leads to a transformative change of perspective. Seeing God as your ultimate purpose and destiny is key.
Prioritizing God Above All Else
You can’t chase after God and earthly dreams at the same time. Devotion to God means putting Him first.
Make God your first and only choice. As Ezra Taft Benson put it, “When we put God FIRST, all other things fall into their proper place.”
Living for His Purpose
Understand that you exist for the sole purpose of seeking God. Eternity begins now, and pleasing God is an ongoing process, not a destination.
Practical Steps to Seeking God
Seeking God isn’t a passive activity. It requires intention and action. Here are some practical steps you can take:
Seeking Through Scripture and Prayer
One of the most direct ways to seek God is through His Word. Study the Bible, not just as an academic exercise, but as a way to understand His character, His will, and His promises.
Pray not just to ask for things, but to seek God’s direction in your life, to grow in your love for Him, and to become more steadfast in your faith. Cry out to Him with honesty and vulnerability.
Seeking Through Creation and Community
Look around you. Seek God’s glory in the natural world. Recognizing His hand in creation can deepen your appreciation for His power and beauty.
Also, seek God through the evidence of His grace in the lives of others. Fellowship with other believers can strengthen your faith and provide much-needed encouragement on your spiritual journey.
Actionable Choices
In every experience, direct your mind and heart toward God. Make a conscious effort to see Him in the everyday moments of your life.
Prioritize Him in your choices, both big and small. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Obstacles to seeking God and how to overcome them
Even with the best of intentions, there may be some roadblocks that keep you from connecting with God. Here are a few to consider:
Pride and self-reliance
Pride can get in the way of really seeking God. As Psalm 10:4 puts it, “In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him.”
To seek God, you have to be humble and recognize that you’re dependent on Him.
Worldly distractions
It can be easy to get caught up in all the things the world has to offer. From social media to streaming entertainment to the latest news headlines, there’s always something vying for your attention.
Be mindful of the activities that pull you away from God, and try to limit the time you spend on them.
Lack of focus
It can be hard to focus on seeking God when you’re constantly being bombarded with information and stimulation. One of the main obstacles is the tendency to seek validation and rewards from outside yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start seeking God?
Starting your journey to seek God begins with a sincere desire and open heart. Begin with prayer, asking for guidance and understanding. Read the Bible, starting with the Gospels to learn about Jesus. Find a community of believers at a local church to help you. Remember, it’s a process, and God meets you where you are.
What are the ways of seeking the Lord?
There are many ways to seek the Lord. Consistent prayer, daily Bible reading, and regular church attendance are foundational. Serving others, practicing gratitude, and cultivating silence for reflection are also key. Seeking wise counsel from spiritual mentors and participating in Bible studies can provide further guidance.
How do you truly seek Jesus?
Truly seeking Jesus involves more than just religious practices; it’s about a heart transformation. It’s about developing a personal relationship with Him through prayer and studying His teachings. It’s about seeking to understand and apply His teachings to your life, and living a life that reflects His love and compassion. Ultimately, it’s about surrender and trusting in His guidance.
The Bottom Line
The Bible makes a powerful promise: God wants to be found by those who seek Him. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” And 1 Chronicles 28:9 assures us, “If you seek him, he will be found by you.”
Seeking God isn’t just about finding Him; it’s about the incredible transformation that happens along the way. As you draw closer, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of His love and the purpose He has for your life. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that God “rewards those who seek him.”
So, embrace the journey! Seeking God isn’t a one-time event but a lifelong adventure of faith. Keep searching, keep asking, and keep knocking—He promises to be found.