Psalm 119:58
I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. Psalm 119:58
Charles Spurgeon commented about this verse in his book, “Psalm 119, The Golden Alphabet.” He said, “He who knows God to be his God will seek His face and long for His presence.” Spurgeon went on to say, “The presence of God is the highest form of his favor, and therefore it is the most urgent desire of a gracious soul.”
Interestingly, this week I received a wonderful question from a reader asking whether we are to seek God or does He pursue us. I felt compelled to include my response the reader, considering this verse in Psalm 119.
It is true that we are to seek after God. But that is usually in the context of seeking a deeper understanding or relationship with Him, seeking more understanding, and seeking His provision. This can get confused with looking to find Him. Biblically speaking God saves us. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to change our hearts and for our hearts to confess Jesus as our Savior.
Non-Christians do not seek Jesus and find Him under their own willpower. God pursues His children and changes their hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit. They are born again and adopted as children of the Creator God.
Then, it is the believer’s role to seek to understand and know God more deeply. Even saying that we learn the Bible and study the Bible is a little faulty language. God reveals Himself to His children as they read scripture. Reading scripture and Bible intake is the primary way that our Father reveals Himself to us. It is the Holy Spirit that is our perfect counselor who helps us, so that we might rightly understand God’s Word.
God pursues us, He adopts us as children, and then we spend the rest of our lives looking to know more of God.
Scripture verses about seeking God.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33 ESV
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. – Hebrews 11:6 ESV
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! – 1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV
I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. – Proverbs 8:15 ESV
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13 ESV
Scripture verses about how God pursues His children.
Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! – Psalm 139:7-8 ESV
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. – Zephaniah 3:17 ESV
But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” –Genesis 3:9 ESV
“For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. – Ezekiel 34:11 ESV
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. – 1 Peter 2:9 ESV
Father, it is Your character to pursue me. It is who You are. Jesus said that You will find the lost sheep and all who the Father has given to Him, He will keep. Help me remember to pursue You because You first pursued me. Cause me to seek Your will for Your Glory and my good. Teach me ways to know more about You, all that You say about Yourself, and all that You have promised to do. Amen!
Goodness of God — Bethel Music, Jenn Johnson
'Cause Your goodness is running after
It's running after me
Your goodness is running after
It's running after me
With my life laid down
I'm surrendered now
I give You everything
'Cause Your goodness is running after
It keeps running after me.
Application Questions:
Where do I not seek after God’s will and seek after my own selfish desires?
As a child of God, a follower of Jesus, in what ways do I still feel the need to seek God’s love and attention?
How have things from my past, like poor teaching or bad role models, caused me to try to earn God’s love?
Schedule Care Today | Info@burkecare.org | 512.522.2580 | Subscribe
