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Finding God’s presence in your life: Part 2

Jeremiah 29:13 'And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

 

Introduction

Last week we began our study by asking one basic question: how do I find God’s presence in my life. And what we learned is that Scripture tells us if we want to find God, then we go to those places where God assures us that He is found (His Word, His House, and prayer,).

 

This morning I want to ask a follow up question. Our opening verse for this study assures us that when we search for God with all our heart, we will find Him. My question then is this: what does finding God look like? How do I know that I have found God? What does it feel like? What sort of things are supposed to happen/change?

 

How do I know that I have found God?

 

 

I. Proper Gear

The first thing we need when trying to determine if we have actually found God is the right instrument/assessment [Think about it: if we want to know the length of a table, we don’t grab a measuring cup. If we need a pint of milk for a recipe, we don’t reach for a ruler. Instead, we use the specific measure that will give us the information that we require. The same thing holds true for our walk with God]. Thus, while feelings, situations, and our human assessments are all important, they are not the ultimate deciding factor in any area of life. Listen to

1 John 3:20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things

2 Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight

 

Notice the result: how do we know for certain that we have found God? Because God promises that when we draw close to Him in His Word, His House or prayer, He will always/every time be there with us and for us

James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

 

Bottom line: how do I know that I have found God. I know because God says I have found Him.

 

 

II. Grace Outside Sunday School Class

That said, what is finding God supposed to look and feel like? What should I expect? What are some indications that I am on the right path?

 

A] First, it is important to understand that finding God might not be at all what you expect. God may be doing something completely different than you thought He would.

1 Kings 19:11 So the LORD said, "Go forth, and stand on the mountain before the LORD." And behold, the LORD was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. ¹² And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire came a gentle whisper (a still small voice).

 

 

B] Second, it is important to understand that finding God might not be what you want. Sometimes God has a different plan for your life than the one upon which you are desperately insisting.

Jonah 1:3 But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. 

Jeremiah 29:11 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. ^FN#1

 

III. What to Expect- We have seen what finding God doesn’t look like. Now we need to ask what it looks like

 

A] Finding God yields a peace, resolve and confidence even amid difficulty

Philippians 4:6  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

 

B] Finding God yields signs and indications that His hand is sustaining you and His providence is at work directly in your situation

Isaiah 41:10 'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

 

C] Finally, finding God yields direction and fruit. You see tangible indications that God’s grace is changing you (your behavior, desires, thoughts, and longing for/trust in God)

1 John 3:18 Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. ¹⁹ By this we shall know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our heart before Him,

 

Footnote

1] Finally, finding God might us lead into (not away from) difficulty. Sometimes the right way is difficult while the wrong way is alluringly easy. (God often calls us to follow Him on a difficult and scary path. Yet He is with us every step of the way and our hardship is never arbitrary, alone, or in vain)

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.