The majority of people in the world spend all their lives searching for something. To search for something indicates that you do not have the item yet, or perhaps you have some of the item and you want more. You are not satisfied with the amount you have so you go seeking and searching for more. To search for something takes effort. One must have a desire for the object, or status, in order to make a diligent search for it.
Some are ever searching for wealth. J. Paul Getty, one of the wealthiest men living in America last century was asked what he wanted most in life and he replied, “more money.” He already had much more money than the majority of the population, but he was not satisfied. He was seeking for more.
Some are searching for fame. They may have many friends and family, but they want to be well known world-wide. They seek to become movie stars, or do something spectacular, and even dangerous, with their lives so they will ever be remembered for their fame after they die.
Some simply seek for ease and pleasure. Their greatest desire in life is to do the least amount of work for the greatest amount of money and greatest amount of time to do nothing except for what pleases themselves.
Sadly, there are some who “search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.” Psalm 64:6. Yes, there are evil people who search out and examine every plan that might aid them in accomplishing their wicked purposes. Through the influence of Satan, the master mind of evil, the unrighteous zealously “search out” iniquity, carefully plan its execution, diligently prepare for action, and suddenly strike when the moment is opportune.
Then there are others who are searching for good things such as a spouse and family, but they bend all their energies in that direction, to the exclusion of the work of the Lord, and those around them. Again, their focus is on themselves.
In their search, some people do find what they are looking for. They find fortune, fame, and ease, but are they truly happy? Not many are because the vast majority of people, both Christian and non-Christian, are seeking to benefit only themselves. The Lord says, “for men to search their own glory is not glory.” Proverbs 25:27. When self is the centre, a person is not truly happy.
How many are searching for peace, happiness, and contentment? Perhaps many, but they are searching in the wrong places. They search for peace with weapons; they search for happiness in entertainment, hilarity, drugs and alcohol. They are not finding what they are searching for.
Then there are people who are genuinely searching for good things—searching for the good and wellbeing of other people and of society. There are also many people in the world who are extremely poor and their whole focus is searching for their next meal.
Ask yourself what you are really searching for. Not only what you should be searching for, but what you are really and truly searching for.
SOLOMON
Solomon was searching. “And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 1:13
In his early days, his greatest desire was to find and obtain wisdom. This was of more value to him than fame and fortune. When God told him to ask for anything, he asked for wisdom. The Lord did not then just hand him the gift of wisdom but, as he made an earnest effort to search and seek out truth, God blessed him with great wisdom and understanding.
Unfortunately, Solomon went a little too far in his search for wisdom. “I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness.” Ecclesiastes 7:25. Solomon not only sought for wisdom from God, but also he sought to know the “wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness.”
“Solomon had great learning; but his wisdom was foolishness; for he did not know how to stand in moral independence, free from sin, in the strength of a character molded after the divine similitude. Solomon has told us the result of his research, his painstaking efforts, his persevering inquiry. He pronounces his wisdom altogether vanity.” –The Review and Herald, April 5, 1906
His wisdom of folly and foolishness did not bring him happiness. “All this did not bring happiness to the king. He sat upon his magnificent throne, his frowning countenance dark with despair. Dissipation had left its impress upon his once fair and intellectual face. He was sadly changed from the youthful Solomon. His brow was furrowed with care and unhappiness, and he bore in every feature the unmistakable marks of sensual indulgence. His lips were prepared to break forth into reproaches at the slightest deviation from his wishes.” –The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 1165
“His shattered nerves and wasted frame showed the result of violating Nature’s laws. He confessed to a wasted life, an unsuccessful chase after happiness. His is the mournful wail, ‘All is vanity and vexation of spirit.’” –Ibid, p. 1165
To search for foolishness and wickedness does not bring lasting peace and happiness. This is a deception of Satan into which many young people have fallen into.
WHAT SHOULD WE SEARCH?
Search your own ways. Jeremiah encourages us by saying “Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.” Lamentations 3:40. When afflictions and troubles come they are to remind man that he is to search his own heart, and to change his ways if they are not in accordance with God’s ways.
This is what the youth should search for, “Good character does not come by chance; it is formed by persevering, untiring effort. The youth should seek to make all that is possible of themselves, by improving every entrusted talent and capability to the glory of God.” –That I May Know Him, p. 233
Search the Bible. The best place to search for, and find, the Lord is in the Bible. Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39
Why do you read your Bible? Is it because this is a requirement for salvation, so you make a quick read in the morning and night? Or is it because you want to be able to give an answer for your doctrinal beliefs, so you study and memorize key verses? That is a worthy cause, for there may come a time, in the end of time, when you will have to answer for your faith without a Bible in your hand. But still this is not reason enough.
When you have a thirst and desire to know Jesus personally, then you will search with the most diligence. That would be the best motive and it would cause you to want to know more, and to dig deeper. To know Jesus. To have a deeper understanding of His love. “Yes, the whole Bible tells of Christ. From the first record of creation—for ‘without Him was not anything made that was made’—to the closing promise, ‘Behold, I come quickly,’ we are reading of His works and listening to His voice. John 1:3; Revelation 22:12. If you would become acquainted with the Saviour, study the Holy Scriptures.” –Steps to Christ, p. 88
“‘Search the Scriptures.’ Study your Bible as you have never studied it before. Unless you arise to a higher, holier state in your religious life, you will not be ready for the appearing of our Lord.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 717
Search for the Poor. Job was a wealthy man and had all he needed to make life comfortable, but he was still searching. “His children shall seek to please the poor.” Job 20:10. Job saw that it is a privilege to give to the poor. “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD.” Proverbs 19:17 He went on to say, “I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.” Job 29:16. Job was willing to make an effort in behalf of the poor. He went in search of ways to help the unfortunate. He gave us a good example of true Christianity.
“Your good wishes we will thank you for, but the poor cannot keep comfortable on good wishes alone. They must have tangible proofs of your kindness in food and clothing. God does not mean that any of His followers should beg for bread. He has given you an abundance that you may supply those of their necessities which by industry and economy they are not able to supply. Do not wait for them to call your attention to their needs. Act as did Job. The thing that he knew not he searched out. Go on an inspecting tour and learn what is needed and how it can be best supplied.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 151
Search for wisdom. “Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:3–5. Solomon emphasizes the necessity of an active searching to gain wisdom. Men must dig deep in search of a saving knowledge of the grace of God with the same perseverance as a prospector who is seeking for precious metals. These people spend much time, effort and money in search of earthly treasure that often proves to be a fruitless search. The searcher for divine wisdom should have the same intense devotion. No disappointment or difficulty should be permitted to stop the search. The revelation of God in His Word is the mine in which every believer must individually dig for truth. Treasure hunts may fail, but one who truly seeks will never fail to reach an understanding of the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom.
Although an exhaustive knowledge of God can never be obtained, even though eternity is spent in learning ever more of His loving nature, knowledge sufficient for salvation is promised to every searcher for truth. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Matthew 7:7–8
Seek the Lord. “And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13. God makes it plain that He can do nothing for His people unless they seek Him with sincerity of purpose. This is a guarantee, though. It does not say, that you may, but the implication is that you will find the Lord if you search for Him with all your heart. If you feel you do not know the Lord, then you are not searching hard enough. “I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalms 34:4. David attests to the certainty of a response. He sought and the Lord heard. There is no uncertainty.
“Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6. The Lord has repeatedly called people to seek Him. Ancient Israel failed and ended up in exile because they sought not to know the Lord or to obey His will. This invitation is still available today. The time will come when stubborn rejection of the pleadings of God’s Spirit closes the door of mercy and drives the divine presence away. Sad, very sad.
“We cannot afford in the few days we have here on earth to spend our time in trifling and nothingness. We need to humble our souls before God, that every heart may drink in the truth, and let it work in the life a reformation that will convince the world that this is indeed the truth of God. Let the life be hid with Christ in God. Only when we seek the Lord as little children, when we cease picking flaws in our brethren and sisters, and in those who are seeking to carry faithfully the responsibilities of the work, and seek to get our own hearts right with God, can He use us to the glory of His name.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 106 (emphasis mine)
GOD SEEKS AND SEARCHES ALSO
Remember that to search for something means that either you do not have it at the moment or you do not have enough of it.
He searches for the righteous. Regarding King David, it is written, “The LORD hath sought Him a man after His own heart.” 1 Samuel 13:14. How would you feel if you knew that the Lord was out searching for you? Would you run and hide as did Adam and Eve after they sinned? Or would you be very happy and confident that He has found you; a man/woman after God’s own heart. Jesus knows your name, where you are, and what you are doing right now. He is searching for your heart. Will He find it? That decision is yours whether you want to give it to Him. He will not take it without your consent. Just prior to 1844 it is written of God’s people that “Jesus looked upon them with pleasure, for His image was reflected in them.” –Early Writings p. 239. Can Jesus find you in a similar condition today? If not, we need to pray the prayer of David, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23–24
He searches for His sheep. “My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, My flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.” Ezekiel 34:6. “Neither did My shepherds search for My flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not My flock.” Ezekiel 34:8. They were the ones appointed over God’s flock and therefore responsible to Him. Sadly, they failed.
“For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search My sheep, and seek them out.” Ezekiel 34:6. Thankfully the Lord will not leave the flock to flounder. He will take charge if the leaders fail. There “Shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.” Amos 9:9
He searches for the wicked. “And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will He do evil.” Zephaniah 1:12. Candles are used, showing the intensity of the search; but why would God want to go in search of lazy people? These are lukewarm Christians. “And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from My sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them.” Amos 9:3. Why does He go in search of the wicked? There are two reasons for His search, the first is, “Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 3:7. And the second is, if they refuse to return, “I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:10. Jesus searches the wicked in hopes that they will repent; and if not, there will be a judgement where the wicked will have to pay the penalty, not only of their own wicked deeds, but also for the fruits of their influence on the lives of others, both for life or death. You can run, but you cannot hide from God.
From the story of Achan, we read of how God went searching for him after he tried to hide from God. “I was shown that the manner of Achan’s confession was similar to the confessions that some among us have made and will make. They hide their wrongs and refuse to make a voluntary confession until God searches them out, and then they acknowledge their sins. A few persons pass on in a course of wrong until they become hardened. They may even know that the church is burdened, as Achan knew that Israel were made weak before their enemies because of his guilt. Yet their consciences do not condemn them. They will not relieve the church by humbling their proud, rebellious hearts before God and putting away their wrongs. God’s displeasure is upon His people, and He will not manifest His power in the midst of them while sins exist among them and are fostered by those in responsible positions.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 270. The Lord will seek these people out.
ONE DAY YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO FIND
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it. “Amos 8:11–12. After continued disobedience, it will one day be too late to seek the Lord. Deep sorrow can sometimes lead men to read their Bibles, but sometimes this sorrow is too late to produce beneficial results. This is not because God’s love is withdrawn from the sinner, but because the sinner has become so hardened in his iniquities that he wishes only to escape the consequences of his sin and not to forsake his evil ways. During the seven last plagues, many people will find themselves in this situation. They will turn to the word of God for relief—the word that they neglected in the past before the times of trouble. But they find no answer. Let it not be said of you, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Jeremiah 8:20
“Others rushed to the people of God and begged to be taught how they might escape His judgments. But the saints had nothing for them. The last tear for sinners had been shed, the last agonizing prayer offered, the last burden borne, the last warning given. The sweet voice of mercy was no more to invite them. When the saints, and all heaven, were interested for their salvation, they had no interest for themselves. Life and death had been set before them. Many desired life, but made no effort to obtain it.” –Early Writings, p. 281
What are you searching for? What is the greatest desire of your heart?
“If the followers of Christ were but earnest seekers after wisdom, they would be led into rich fields of truth, as yet wholly unknown to them. He who will give himself to God as fully as did Moses, will be guided by the divine hand as verily as was the great leader of Israel. He may be lowly and apparently ungifted; yet if with a loving, trusting heart he obeys every intimation of God’s will, his powers will be purified, ennobled, energized, and his capabilities will be increased. As he treasures the lessons of divine wisdom, a sacred commission will be entrusted to him; he will be enabled to make his life an honor to God and a blessing to the world.” –This Day With God, p. 252
This should be what we are searching for in life, to bring “honor to God and a blessing to the world.” “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. Amen.
Wendy Eaton