Seeking God: A Journey into a Deeper Relationship with Him

Part 2: Why Does God Want to Be Found?

Why does God invite us to seek Him, and if He wants to be found, what does that reveal about His heart?

Have you ever searched for something that was very precious to you? Perhaps you eventually found it and experienced tremendous joy and relief. Or perhaps you never found it and still wonder where it disappeared.

When it comes to our relationship with God, we are the ones who were lost. God is the One who came searching for us.

Jesus said,

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10, NIV)

Thank God for His amazing grace! Those of us who have come to know Christ can echo the words of the beloved hymn:

“I once was lost, but now I am found.”

But coming to Christ is not the end of the journey—it is only the beginning.

One of the greatest purposes of the Christian life is to know God more deeply. We spend the rest of our lives growing in our relationship with the One who created us for fellowship with Himself. We seek Him, pursue Him, and draw closer to Him day by day.

The wonderful news is this:

God is not hiding. He wants to be found.

There may be seasons when He seems quiet. There may be times when He feels distant. Yet His Word assures us that when we move toward Him, He moves toward us.

James writes,

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” (James 4:8, NIV)

Every time we draw near to Him, we discover more of His character, His faithfulness, and His love.

I recently read a devotional that stated God’s greatest desire is to be known. While I hesitate to say what God’s single greatest desire may be, Scripture clearly teaches that knowing Him is central to His heart.

Hosea 6:6 says,

“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” (NKJV)

The Amplified Bible says, “the knowledge of and acquaintance with God.” The Passion Translation beautifully paraphrases it, “I want you to know Me intimately.”

God desires much more than religious activity.

He desires relationship.

Jesus reinforced this truth when He quoted Hosea in Matthew 9:13:

“For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (NIV)

His mission has always been to bring people into a relationship with Himself.

One of my favorite passages is Jeremiah 9:23-24:

“Let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me…” (NIV)

Of all the accomplishments we could pursue in life, God says the greatest privilege is simply this:

To know Him.

He delights when we understand His ways. He delights when we experience His lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness. He delights when we seek His presence.

God is not playing a game of hide-and-seek with His children.

Jeremiah 29:13 gives us this wonderful promise:

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (NIV)

What an incredible invitation! The Creator of the universe wants to be known personally by those He created.

If we will do our part by drawing near to Him, He will faithfully do His part. He will reveal Himself. He will deepen our fellowship with Him. He will allow Himself to be found.

That is the heart of our God.

Questions to Consider

Am I pursuing a relationship with God, or simply maintaining religious habits?
What distractions have kept me from seeking God with my whole heart?
When has God revealed Himself to me in a personal way?
What practical step can I take this week to spend more intentional time with Him?
If I truly believe God wants to be found, how should that change the way I seek Him?