Remember when Jesus said that if you seek, you’ll find, knock and doors will open, ask and you’ll receive (Matt. 7:7)? Sounds like prayers framed with promises, doesn’t it? To get all we ask for? What we want and when? Think again.

First of all, Jesus yearns for us to be in a committed relationship with Him. Seeking yet depending upon His answers as the right ones. Not telling Him what to do. Asking…knocking…seeking. Like a child to a good parent. Assertive yet submissive. Hanging onto His sleeves, assured that He knows best.

This business of assertive seeking is not unique to Jesus. Check out three Old Testament chapters in 2 Chronicles. Okay, where is that? Start seeking and you’ll find it. Nine times the word ‘seek’ or ‘sought’ can be found– ‘…to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, and to keep the law and the commandment’ (2 Chr. 14: 4). ‘…because we have sought the Lord our God’ (v.7). ‘If you seek him, he will be found by you…’ (15:2). ‘…to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul’ (v.12). There are more, but you get the point.

Seek the Lord. Come to Him. Don’t shy away. No hiding from what shames us. He’s waiting like the father of the Prodigal Son. Longing for us to draw close. His arms remain wide open. Not the back of the hand, but His helping one.

What more could He do? Ask away. Seek your Lord Jesus. Knock on His front door. He’s always home. Wait for Him to open it. Be patient (I’m looking squarely in the mirror!). Don’t step back. Stay put. He’ll come and open the door at just the right time, in just the right way.

Come to think of it, why wouldn’t you seek Him?

Lord Jesus, thank you for wanting me to come to you with anything that’s on my heart. Amen.