Topical Bible: Seeking God is Never in Vain

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The concept that seeking God is never in vain is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the promise that those who earnestly seek the Lord will find Him and receive His blessings. This principle is rooted in the understanding of God's faithfulness and His desire for a relationship with His creation.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently assures believers that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. In Hebrews 11:6 , it is written, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." This verse underscores the necessity of faith and the assurance of divine reward for those who pursue God with sincerity.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Jeremiah conveys God's promise to the Israelites during their exile: "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). This promise highlights the importance of wholehearted devotion in the pursuit of God, assuring that such a quest will not be fruitless.

Examples from Scripture

Numerous biblical figures exemplify the truth that seeking God is never in vain. King David, known for his deep relationship with God, often expressed his longing for the Lord. In Psalm 27:8 , David declares, "My heart said, 'Seek His face.' Your face, O LORD, I will seek." David's life demonstrates that those who seek God with a sincere heart will experience His presence and guidance.

Another example is found in the life of Solomon. When Solomon became king, he sought wisdom from God rather than wealth or power. In response, God granted him unparalleled wisdom and understanding, as well as riches and honor (1 Kings 3:11-13). Solomon's account illustrates that seeking God and His wisdom leads to blessings beyond one's initial request.

The Call to Seek God

The Bible repeatedly calls believers to seek God, emphasizing that this pursuit is integral to a life of faith. In Isaiah 55:6 , the prophet urges, "Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near." This call to action suggests a sense of urgency and the availability of God to those who seek Him.

Jesus Himself encourages His followers to seek God persistently. In Matthew 7:7-8 , He teaches, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." This promise from Jesus assures believers that their efforts to seek God will be met with divine response.

The Rewards of Seeking God

The rewards of seeking God are manifold, encompassing spiritual, emotional, and even physical blessings. Those who seek God find peace, wisdom, and strength. In Psalm 34:10 , it is written, "The young lions may lack and go hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing." This verse affirms that God provides for the needs of those who earnestly seek Him.

Moreover, seeking God leads to a deeper understanding of His will and purpose. Proverbs 8:17 states, "I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me." This wisdom literature highlights the reciprocal nature of the relationship between God and those who pursue Him, promising that such a pursuit will result in finding divine love and insight.

Conclusion

The biblical assurance that seeking God is never in vain is a profound encouragement for believers. It affirms God's faithfulness and His readiness to reveal Himself to those who earnestly seek Him. Through the examples of biblical figures and the promises found in Scripture, believers are encouraged to pursue God with all their hearts, confident that their efforts will be rewarded with His presence and blessings.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 45:19
I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not to the seed of Jacob, Seek you me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Wisdom's Gift
... that truly and supremely affects God is never condemned to ... are two seekers in every
such case, God and man. ... Christ is the incarnation of the seeking love of God ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/wisdoms gift.htm

Fenelon -- the Saints Converse with God
... on frivolous and worldly things during prayer, to make no effort to check the vain
thoughts that intrude ... The perfect heart is never weary of seeking God. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/fenelon the saints converse.htm

A Soul Gazing on God
... to the declaration that our God has never spoken in secret, in the dark places of
the earth, nor said to any seeking heart, 'Seek ye My face in vain.' For the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/a soul gazing on god.htm

"There is no Dread that Fully Pleaseth God in us but Reverent ...
... everlasting goodness and His blissful love, only seeking to Him ... Desire we of our
Lord God to dread Him reverently ... and love Him meekly our trust is never in vain ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter lxxiv there is no.htm

The Merchantmen in the Temple
... "No, God can never be the ... God does His works from His own pure love, and he who is
joined to the Lord will work from love also, not seeking anything for ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xvi the merchantmen in.htm

"God Willeth to be Seen and to be Sought: to be Abided and to be ...
... I dare say, and we ought to trow it, that so fair a man was never none but He ... It
is God's will that we have three things in our seeking:"The first is ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter x god willeth to.htm

A Dialogue with God
... is really the meaning of the world's vain seeking and profitless ... to His invitation
to Himself we return to God. ... we reply but, 'I come; let me never wander from ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a dialogue with god 3.htm

The Lost Sheep and the Seeking Shepherd
... You can frustrate the seeking love of God. ... Are you yielding to His seeking love,
or wandering further ... heart, more than over those who have never wandered; and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the lost sheep and the.htm

As God, So Worshipper
... Low ideals can never lead to lofty lives. ... men who with faltering steps and many an
aberration are seeking to walk in the name of the Lord their God. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/as god so worshipper.htm

Seeking Richly Rewarded
... good, good for me, and I am truly seeking God, I should ... will lead you to do wrong
things, and God's name will be ... to be strong in body; you would never be holy ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 60 1914/seeking richly rewarded.htm