Experiencing God's Presence #277

From there you will search again for the LORD your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.

Deuteronomy 4:29

Israel’s falling away and exile were foretold long before it happened. God knew when He made His covenant with the Israelites that they would not be able to keep it. Moses presents the consequences as an if/then proposition—as though their apostasy is a hypothetical possibility at any given point in history—but the wording implies that it’s going to happen. Unaided, human nature tends to rebel.

Even so, God gives a sweeping promise in the midst of Moses’ warning. In the place of exile—in our times of deepest, darkest alienation from Him—a desperation-induced search for Him will be rewarded. Though He hides Himself from casual or proud observers, His purpose is always to be found by those whose hearts are ready for Him. A chastened, humble soul is perfectly primed for the Presence. And God obliges as though all offenses have been forgotten.

If this is God’s reward for the rebellious who have rejected Him and then turned back, imagine how He responds to those who already belong to Him, already follow, and want to seek Him at a deeper level. If He is willing to bring close those who have strayed, He certainly brings close those who are already there. But those who are far away are aware of their need to seek Him; those who are in a good relationship with Him often don’t realize how much better the relationship can be if they press in even further.

Awaken to the opportunity of coming even closer—of seeking the One you might think you’ve already found. However familiar you are with Him, He invites an even greater familiarity. Always seek it.

Lord, how do I seek You? My heart is turned toward You. I’m grateful for Your Presence, but I want more. Let me find You in new and deeper ways today.

From the book