OCTOBER 8, 2019/ https://josephmattera.org/god-hides-5-ways-find/
Scripture teaches us in Isaiah 45:15 that God hides Himself. This means that He does not reveal Himself to casual seekers – truly it is the glory of God to conceal things but the glory of kings to search things out Proverbs 25:2, hence it is a royal and noble task to plumb the depths of the knowledge and glory of God!Diamonds are usually not found on the surface of the earth – they have to be sought out and dug up out of the earth. If they were easily found they would be common and as worthless and common rock and dirt. So, how does a person find God and to whom does He disclose Himself?
For one, it says in Jeremiah 29:13 that we will find Him when we search for Him with our whole heart! He reveals Himself to those who search for Him as for hidden treasures. Proverbs 2:4-5
Secondly, we need to respond to Him when He initiates contact with us: when He prompts our heart to seek His face we need to immediately respond and seek Him Psalm 27:8. We are to seek the Lord while He may be found, Isaiah 55:6, which means there are God-ordained opportune times when He is specifically drawing us to Himself – to ignore this prompting is to take advantage of the grace of God since no one can come to the Father unless the Spirit draws Him John 6:44 another moment like this may never come!
Thirdly, we need to consider the fact that God never told us to “merely say prayers” but to hunger and thirst for Him and earnestly seek Him Matthew 5:6; Hebrews 11:6.
Fourthly, He expects believers to regularly carve out time and initiate contact with Him as He admonishes us to intentionally grow in the grace and knowledge of Him and draw near to God so He can draw near to us 2 Peter 3:18 and James 4:8.
Lastly, God doesn’t reveal Himself to the casual observer but to those who prioritize a worshipful relationship with Him above all else. This means carving out quality time pouring over His word, worship, and prayer on a daily basis that gives God the opportunity to reveal Himself and mature us in His Son. He said, “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me” Proverbs 8:17.
