In chapter 29 of Jeremiah the Israelite people find themselves in exile, enslaved to the Babylonians. God delivers them a promise, through his prophet, that if they seek Him they will find Him, and in Him they will find restoration, protection, prosperity, and all the goodness that is found in the living God. But there’s a catch: they must seek God with ALL their heart. I don’t think the Lord meant this as a general sentiment to make His message sound sappy. I think He was careful to include this instruction because, though we may set out to search for the Lord, until we’re ready to offer our whole self (heart, mind, and soul) we won’t truly find Him. This means we have to come to Him in true humility. This humility may only come through battling the prison of addiction, hard financial struggle, a string of broken relationships, unceasing physical ailment, or (in this case) exile to Babylon. In this way we will approach God with the willingness to trust and obey His will and forsake our own.
So if you feel frustrated in your pursuit of God’s good graces, or if you have formed a negative perspective of God through awful religious experiences or interactions with folks who call themselves ‘God’s people’ yet clearly fall far short of obedience, then go search again!! Only this time remember this requirement; that you MUST seek the Lord with ALL your heart.
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