A thought by Henry Cloud, from his book, The Secret Things of God: Unlocking the Treasures Reserved for You (p.24) Howard Books. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)
Now, the him that Henry is talking about is God.
And he starts by saying, “Whenever we seek him, we are responding to his stirring something in us. So, respond to that little voice inside, those thoughts, those wonderings. Talk to him; tell him that you are looking for him. Talk to someone who can help you.”
Henry goes on, “If you do know him and cannot find him right now, hear this: that is normal too. Even if you feel that you are going through a ‘desert’ experience and that God seems far, far away, know that in reality, he is always near. Either there is some reason he is not doing anything at that moment, or he is doing something and you cannot see it. Though it may be distressing, it is a normal part of the spiritual life. The psalms are full of writings from people who felt that way:”
“Hurry with your answer, GOD! I’m nearly at the end of my rope. Don’t turn away; don’t ignore me! That would be certain death. Psalm 143:7 The Message”
Henry continues, “It is okay and normal to experience times like that, but the answer is always the same. It is the same ‘secret’ . . . seek. Even when it seems he is not there, we can trust that he has not forsaken us. Remember what the psalmist said:”
“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 NIV”
He says, “Whether you don’t yet know him or already have some relationship with him and want to know him better, look at the verse below and see that God wants you to seek him. And when you do, he promises that he will reward your seeking.”
“Seek and you shall find. Matthew 7:7”
He continues, “To live out this secret means that you will, first, take a step from your heart. So go to a quiet place and tell him you are looking for him. Pour out your heart. Ask Jesus to meet you and come to you. Ask him to show up in your life.
“Second, you might want to do this with someone else who knows him well. Get with that person and pray together. If you have never done that, it may seem strange, but you will find it one of the most incredible spiritual experiences you can have. Ask him how he found God and what God does in his life.
“Third, seek him by reading the Bible. He will talk to you there. It is his love letter to you. Forget your preconceptions, and just go there. If you have never read the Bible, begin in the psalms and the book of John. Talk to God about what you are reading, and sit still and let him talk to you.”
He then says, “Next, seek him for the answers you need in your life. Relationships, finances, troubles, guidance, kids, or whatever you need help with.
“Seek and you will find.”
So will you seek him?
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