A number of years ago we lived in the panhandle of Idaho. We had one particular summer that was very dry.
The catch ponds were drying up and the springs were only a trickle. One afternoon the dogs put us on alert and when we looked out our windows, this is what we saw. A cow moose had wandered into our yard with her twins in search of water. Our sprinklers were running, and they provided the much-needed water that she was seeking.
After they drank their fill, they rested in the shade of the tall pines. At first, she was very cautious, looking about after every sip but then as her calves rested quietly, she found rest herself.
The question that came to mind was “Am I thirsty for God”?
Thirsty enough to “search” outside my comfort zone? Willing to leave the familiar way of doing things and find the answers I need in God’s word?
God asked Abraham to leave his family and his homeland. Ruth left all and followed after Naomi to a new land where God blessed her with a husband and a child. Peter left his fishing nets to follow Christ. Paul gave up his prestige as a Pharisee to seek Jesus and His word.
“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” Psalm 42:1-2 ERV
When we seek God, we will find Him and we will find that He gives all we need for an abundant life.
“Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me. 14 I will let you find me.” This message is from the LORD.” Jeremiah 29:12-14 ERV
Jesus ministered to a crowd on a hillside one day and he told them:
“Continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to search, and you will find. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you. 8 Yes, whoever continues to ask will receive. Whoever continues to look will find. And whoever continues to knock will have the door opened for them.” Matthew 7:7-11 ERV
God is loving, kind and gracious and when we seek Him we find that to be true. He put all of our punishment and judgement on Jesus so that we could have a wonderful relationship with Him.
“ I mean that God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold people guilty for their sins. And he gave us this message of peace to tell people.” II Corinthians 5:19 ERV
Someone needs to know that God isn’t mad at you!
He loves you and if you seek Him, you will find Him waiting with arms of love open wide. Seek for Him like that momma moose sought out the life-giving water – you will find all you need in Him.