Be Still & SEEK

That quiet encounter prepared my heart far more than I realized.

When I opened my Bible later that morning, my attention was drawn to King Hezekiah's celebration of the Passover. Many of the people had come with sincere hearts but had not purified themselves according to every ceremonial requirement. Instead of turning them away, Hezekiah prayed:

"May the good LORD pardon everyone who sets his heart to seek God."

The Lord heard Hezekiah's prayer and healed the people.

Those verses reminded me that while God certainly calls us to obedience, He also delights in hearts that genuinely seek Him. That same invitation echoes through Hosea's plea, "Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God," and through John the Baptist's call in Matthew 3 to repent because the kingdom of heaven is near.

Seeking God is never merely about checking religious boxes. It begins with a humble heart that desires to know Him.

Jesus expanded that invitation in the Sermon on the Mount:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

The poor in spirit know they cannot earn God's favor. They simply come.

As I sat beside the Pine River, I realized that my greatest offering to God that week was not perfect understanding or flawless obedience. It was simply showing up with an open Bible, an attentive heart, and a willingness to listen.

Perhaps that is where every spiritual journey begins.

Reflection

• Am I seeking God, or merely seeking answers?

• What distractions keep me from slowing down enough to hear His voice?

• How might God be inviting me to return to Him today?