“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace…to give you A FUTURE AND A HOPE. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I WILL LISTEN TO YOU. And you will seek (bâqash: strive after first) Me and find Me, when you search for Me WITH ALL YOUR HEART.” (Jer. 29:11-13) Let’s talk about this statement, “you will seek me and find me…” God is not hiding from us, Jesus said, “IF ANYONE LOVES ME, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and WE will come to him and MAKE OUR HOME WITH HIM.” (John 14:23) Jesus explains that His and the Father’s dwelling place, their home, is WITH US!!! So, why would He say that if we seek Him we’ll find Him.
The problem, is that the devil is an expert liar and he will try to CONVINCE US that we are NOT GOOD ENOUGH to have the Lord God Almighty, responsible for overseeing the creation of all things, is REALLY WITH US.
“But you, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, KEEP YOURSELF IN THE LOVE OF GOD…” (Jude 1:20-21). We must constantly remind ourselves who we are and where we are in our relationship with the Lord. Remember, God said, “NEVER will I leave you; NEVER will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid…” (Hebrews 13:5-6)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham