Look and Find

Favourite books for my children and grandchildren, as well as my students, are Look and Find books. These books have vivid pictures filled with many intricate details. The objective of the books is to find particular items within the multitude of pictures on each page. I have had young ones fascinated for long periods of time with these delightful books.

I must confess – I enjoy searching with the kids. I love puzzles and mysteries and these books are a fun way to do some problem solving. It’s so exciting to finally succeed at finding the hidden object.

Sometimes when we are feeling low, it can feel like we are on a look and find mission with Jesus. When we are despondent or hurting, we don’t see as clearly and it often seems like we cannot find what we think we need.

The truth of the matter is, though, that Jesus always knows what we are looking for. We might think He is difficult to find, but that is not really true. Jesus is always in the same place. It is us who are drifting away in various locations and circumstances. He knows what we need and He is there ready to offer comfort, support, peace, hope, and provision for us, no matter what it is we are searching for.

For me personally, I can’t say that I have ever felt that Jesus is far away. What I have felt is that it seems like He is silent. I cry to Him, searching for answers and it seems like I hit a brick wall. I know the Lord’s answers are not always instantaneous or the ones I want to hear, but sometimes I feel like I can’t get my grounding to know where to go.

When I feel like I am getting nowhere, I appreciate the words of Proverbs:

“I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me find Me.” (Proverbs 8:17 NIV)

These words of Scripture do not say “may” find our Lord. It’s we “do” find Him if we seek Him! We have that assurance. What have that hope.

Another powerful verse comes from the book of Deuteronomy:

“But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 4:29 NIV)

Here Scripture is reminding us that it is not a half-done kind of job – either you are totally, earnestly seeking God or you are not. It is an immense promise to us that our Lord is there waiting when we come seeking with all our being.

Part of this connection with Jesus is when we are totally committed. Think what happens to a friendship if you don’t invest time in it. Imagine what your relationship with family members would be if you didn’t take the time to actively be involved in their lives. The same is true with our Lord. He wants to be intricately and unequivocally involved in our lives. He just asks that we seek Him.

Even before I lost my beloved mother recently, I have been going through some things as I evaluate what plans God has for me and where I should be devoting my time. It has been an interesting season of life. With many things uncertain, I have done a lot more seeking the Lord’s guidance and comfort. I can attest to the fact that He is faithful. He honours His promises and He steps up when we need it.

Today, as grief overwhelmed me, I prayed for answers. God provided them – rather swiftly I might add. No, God does not always respond that fast, but today He knows my aching heart and the need I have for the companionship of other believers. I am so grateful He paved the way for me to find a way to heal and restore.

Jesus is not hiding. He is there – but sometimes in our busy world it is like trying to find Him on a Look and Find page. There are many other things around to distract us from truly finding Him.

Friends, it is worth the search. You will not be disappointed if you seek the Lord with all your heart and soul. He hears you. He answers you. He sustains you. He treasures you.

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