You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13

Children and adults alike enjoy stories involving hidden treasure, such as Aladdin. Those who are seeking the treasure, whether they have good or evil intentions, put tremendous effort into hunting for it. The greater the treasure, the greater the effort.

Today’s verse offers an invitation to the greatest treasure hunt of all time. God promises that if you seek Him, you will find Him when you search for Him with all your heart. This suggests an investment of effort. This is not to be confused with good works mistakenly done to try to earn salvation, since salvation comes by grace. The encouragement is to make seeking God your top priority. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Methods of seeking God include prayer, praise, fasting, Bible study, and becoming an active participant in the body of believers. 2 Kings 20 tells the story of King Hezekiah, who grew ill to the point of death. The prophet Isaiah came to him, stating, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover’.” Hezekiah wept as he prayed to the Lord, saying, “Now, O Lord, please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” Before Isaiah had left the palace, the Lord directed the prophet to return to the king and tell him, “Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you.”

God calls His people to seek Him in their lives and decision-making. Ask the Lord for help in the circumstances that have caused you to despair and for His guidance in the choices you make today. Pray also for wisdom for government officials who are addressing the issues of concern in the United States.