Topical Bible: Seeking God: Ensures: Being Heard of Him

◄ Seeking God: Ensures: Being Heard of Him ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of seeking God is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the relationship between the Creator and His creation. The act of seeking God is not merely a passive acknowledgment of His existence but an active pursuit of His presence, will, and guidance. This pursuit is met with the assurance that God hears those who earnestly seek Him.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous assurances that those who seek God with a sincere heart will be heard by Him. In the Old Testament, the prophet Jeremiah conveys God's promise: "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). This verse underscores the necessity of wholehearted devotion in the pursuit of God, promising that such earnest seeking will not go unnoticed.

Similarly, the psalmist declares, "The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth" (Psalm 145:18). This passage highlights the accessibility of God to those who approach Him with sincerity and truthfulness, affirming that He is attentive to their cries.

New Testament Assurance

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself assures His followers of the efficacy of seeking God. In the Sermon on the Mount, He encourages, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7). This teaching emphasizes the proactive nature of seeking and the certainty of divine response.

The apostle James further reinforces this promise, stating, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8). This reciprocal relationship between God and the seeker is a testament to the faithfulness of God in responding to those who earnestly pursue Him.

Conditions for Being Heard

While the Bible assures that God hears those who seek Him, it also outlines certain conditions that must be met. A key requirement is righteousness and humility. The psalmist notes, "If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened" (Psalm 66:18). This indicates that a heart harboring sin can hinder communication with God.

Moreover, humility is essential in seeking God. The prophet Isaiah records God's words: "But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word" (Isaiah 66:2). A humble and repentant heart is open to God's guidance and correction, ensuring that one's prayers are heard.

Examples of Seeking and Being Heard

Throughout Scripture, there are numerous examples of individuals who sought God and were heard by Him. King David, despite his failings, was known for his heart that sought after God. In times of distress, he often turned to God in prayer, as seen in Psalm 34:4: "I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears" .

Another example is Daniel, whose consistent prayer life and seeking of God resulted in divine revelation and protection. Daniel 9:23 records the angel Gabriel's words to him: "At the beginning of your petitions, an answer went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed" . Daniel's example illustrates the profound impact of a life dedicated to seeking God.

Conclusion

The assurance of being heard by God is a profound encouragement for believers. It is a promise that underscores the relational nature of God, who desires to be sought and found by His people. Through sincere seeking, righteousness, and humility, believers can confidently approach God, knowing that He is attentive to their prayers and responsive to their needs.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 34:4
I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"My Times are in Thy Hand"
... pursued him with malicious craft, even seeking his life ... our heart, and with all our
soul, being fully convinced ... nor shall I. The hand of God ensures success all ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/my times are in thy.htm

Faith and Life
... made glad the heart of man, hence it ensures the same ... Are we seeking day by day to
live above worldliness ... that you have been enriched with the treasures of God. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/faith and life.htm

Accidents, not Punishments
... true that a pleasure-boat, in which men were seeking their own ... WE TO MAKE OF THIS
VOICE OF GOD AS HEARD ... Have I any special guardianship which ensures me that I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/accidents not punishments.htm

Letter cxxx. To Demetrias.
... envy give way; let no charge of self seeking be brought ... that is ours is only ours
by the mercy of God. ... their age or sex, and even if mutilation ensures in them ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxx to demetrias.htm

Miscellaneous Subjects.
... The Resurrection Of Christ Ensures That Of His Followers ... would say to every despairing
soul seeking salvation, that ... a real, inward desire to serve God, you can ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xvi miscellaneous subjects.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... Paul heard a voice which raised his soul above the ... they depend upon the words going
before, being a vehement ... 1st, A solemn binding charge before God and Jesus ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he ... the concerns of thy soul
and of thy being an inheritor ... He that doth this in the way that God has bid ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm