Earnestly seek

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

The Greek word for earnestly is “ekzeleo” which means to “pursue with zeal and determination.”

“Ekzeleo” is an active verb calling the believer to an active and persistent seeking.

What does it look like to “earnestly seek God” or “to pursue with zeal and determination” or “to actively and persistently seek Him?”

In Matthew 15, we are given a very clear picture.

Matthew 15:21-28

21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”

23 Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”

24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”

25 The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.

26 He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

27 “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

Ever had a child in an extremely difficult situation? A situation where there was no hope except God. The Canaanite woman was in this situation. And, if you have ever been in this situation, you know what it means to “earnestly seek God.” All cards on the table. Nothing held back. Bold. Aggressive. Desperate.

But, what if we aren’t in that desperate situation? How does one continually, earnestly seek God?

It isn’t simply acquiring more knowledge.

I have been reading my Bible almost every morning for the last 27 years. This is ingrained in my daily life. If I don’t start the day reading Scripture, something is off. Humbly I can say that I know God’s Word.

However, knowing God’s Word means nothing if I don’t actively live what I read. If God’s Word doesn’t penetrate my heart, my soul, it means nothing. I am just a guy with a lot of knowledge.

Simply gaining more knowledge will not help one earnestly seek God.

The answer is only found in the word desperation.

One must realize that they are truly desperate, just like the Canaanite woman. One must realize that there is no other answer, only God. Only then will we depend on Him for all.

Without desperation, faith is empty. If I know God’s Word without recognizing the desperation, I have no faith.

To earnestly seek God, remember your desperation. We are dependent on Him in our marriages, in our families, in our relationships, at work, and for eternity.

And, what is our promised reward?

The reward that is promised in Hebrews 11:6 is not an outward blessing, one that the world glorifies. The reward is much better, deeper. The reward is for the soul.

Everyone reading this blog right now has at least one area in life that is not peaceful, the waters are choppy, the sea is not still. Our deepest desire is peace. With peace, all is well, even if it doesn’t appear so from a worldly standpoint.

Peace only comes from God. The greatest reward on earth is peace.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid,” John 14:27

The reward from being desperate for God is peace.

Lord, make us desperate for you. And, when we are naturally dependent on ourselves, thanks for your grace.

Walking with you, seeking as I go.

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