“When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ my heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek.’ Psalm 27:8

Essential Quest

It takes me a long time to get to know a person and an even longer time to trust them enough to let them get to know me. I am not exactly a social butterfly—wallflower might be a better description. I am close to my family and a few good friends. I have a deepening relationship with individuals at church that I have served alongside. And yet my relationship with God is more intimate than any I have known. After so many years in this divine romance, I feel a closeness with Him that grows ever deeper and sweeter. It was not always so.

In the beginning I had only heard about Him with the hearing of my ears. I believed He was there, but there was no heart connection. And then by His grace I began to get a clearer vision of Him. In a time of anguish I cried out to Him and, lo and behold, He answered me! Things became a lot more personal.

I began to read the Bible for myself to see what it taught and how He would speak to me. This was a huge eye-opener. It came alive to my soul. The more I learned, the more I hungered for Him.

I began to pray to Him, to include Him in my plans and dreams. As I got to know Him better, my ability to trust Him grew stronger. I found Him completely trustworthy. Before too long God became not an option, but an essential. I gave Him time in my thoughts, in my prayers, in study, in worship. We grew ever closer. I began to see Him for who He is. I saw His character. I learned of His attributes. I fell in love with Him.

Over time I realized that He knew me better than I knew myself. I didn’t have to perform for Him or try to impress Him or meet some impossible standard. He already knew me at my worst and yet found me lovely. I could relax in Him, knowing I had nothing to hide. He was a refuge and my heart’s true home.

And then He showed me who I was in His eyes. He took me “as is,” but He was changing me from glory to glory. I was His workmanship. I was growing up into the woman He had envisioned all along. And now I know that I am rich. I know that I am free. I know I am forgiven. I know I am dearly loved of God. It didn’t happen in a moment, or a month, or even in a year. But He has long been wooing me and I confess, I am smitten.

Why do I tell you these things? If you feel estranged from the God who created you or cannot imagine an affection for Someone you cannot see or touch, begin an astonishing quest. Seek God. Talk to Him and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Read the Bible and discover who God really is. Give Him time and thoughtful consideration. Look for Him and He will find you.

I write this to encourage you. I want for you what He has given me and more so. God is here. God is speaking. God is loving you right now where you are. He is the most satisfying relationship you will ever know.

God bless you in your discovery of the remarkable God who was, and is, and always will be.

“But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29).

Father, You have made us for Yourself and without You we are restless and empty. Continue to reveal to us who You are and who You are making us to be. Make us hungry for the bread of God. Open our eyes to see Your face. Stir our hearts to seek You in every waking moment. You are life! Amen.”