Finder

Proverb 8: 17

I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me.

I have already enjoyed some great time with the Lord this week. Already He is proving to me that those who seek, find. I hope you are beginning to see a difference too.

The real power of this verse is the promise of finding Him. It is a platform for faith. Either those who diligently seek Him will actually find Him or God is a liar. One of the two statements must be true. If you are disinclined to believe God is a liar then that catapults you into a position of faith. If you don’t believe He is capable of lying to you then you must believe that He will honor your seeking with finding.

Seeking God is not the end game. Finding Him is the goal. In this life there are very few sure things but in today’s verse we find exactly that. It is a done deal. The real question we must ask ourselves is, “Do I really want to find God.” The truth of the matter is that in the depth of many hearts, the answer is “no.” I think we are afraid of what will happen if we ever encounter God in a personal way. Some people think they will not be able to bear up under the guilt of their sins. Others are afraid of the pain they have suppressed. Maybe a few are just lazy, afraid that meeting God face to face will require something of them.

All of these are balderdash. There is no truth in any of it. When you find God you find pure love, the love you have longed for all of your life. You will also find acceptance and validation. You know about the injuries in your heart and the damage and so does He but those don’t create limitations for God. He knows you and loves you just the way you are. There is nothing hidden away in your heart He does not already know about so relax. As you seek Him, you will find goodness and kindness. In Him is gentleness. Don’t be afraid any longer. Seek and Find. It is a guarantee; if you will seek Him, He will be found by you.

Wisdom’s Fruit

Proverb 8: 32 – 36

Now therefore, O sons, listen to me, for blessed are they who keep my ways. Heed instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts. For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, “but he who sins against me injures himself; all those who hate me love death.”

The speaker in this passage is wisdom. Wisdom was in the beginning with God and by her He founded the earth. “Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor” (Proverb 3: 16). In her are blessing and life, so if we want either those or riches, we should seek wisdom. She promised that those who diligently seek her will find her (Proverb 8: 17). This book of the proverbs is her book. She discloses herself here and the fruit of seeking her.

One of the first things I noticed from this excerpt from the eighth proverb is that we must heed instruction. That, I believe, creates a rather large stumbling block. To receive instruction requires humility and we are loathe to humble ourselves before anyone, even sometimes God. God gives wisdom to people on earth and they are meant to share it with others. However, one cannot share what others will not receive. However, wisdom teaches us that it is in our own self-interest to seek and receive the offerings of wisdom.

Another fruit of receiving wisdom is favor from the Lord. I like to think of God’s favor as the grease on the wheels of life. As you enjoy the Lord’s favor, life simply goes more smoothly. All sorts of things, both small and large, just seem to go your way. From getting a good parking place to securing a major contract for your business, God’s favor greases the way and we obtain that favor when we seek wisdom and heed her lessons.

Wisdom is calling out in the streets. She wants to be your ally. If you seek her, you will find her and one great way to seek her is in this book of wisdom , the Proverbs. Honor is with her; success is in her hand. She wants to bless you. Call upon her and receive, of the Lord, all His goodness.