Experiencing God's Presence #199

The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

2 Chronicles 16:9

The words were spoken to someone who didn’t fit God’s criteria, but they still invite a response from those who will. God isn’t looking for those who have behaved perfectly, or for those who have discovered His principles for life, or for those who impress Him with their achievements. He looks for those whose hearts are devoted—those who seek Him, trust Him, and love Him. He searches for those like David, who, in spite of their flaws, are continually running in His direction. And when He finds them, He rises up to support them.

The image of God’s eyes looking back and forth throughout the earth is a startling one. Why is He searching? Why does this God seem to care so much? Does He just need servants who will do what He says? No, He wants those who will recognize Him for who He is—His strength and love and wisdom—and who will relate to Him on that basis. He searches for those who see dire circumstances, hear of His faithfulness, and choose to trust the truth of the latter over the power of the former. He longs for those who will believe Him and love Him. He is always trying to cultivate relationship.

When people ask, “Why doesn’t God do something?” this is sometimes the reason. We can be reluctant to trust, slow to fully commit, hesitant to invest ourselves with reckless abandon. But that’s exactly what God is looking for—those who will abandon themselves to Him. He strongly supports those who do.

Lord, I don’t want Your eyes to look past me. I want to have one of those hearts You stop to gaze at. I devote myself completely to You and trust that You will show me Your strong support.

From the book