Devotion: How to Find God When He’s Out of Sight

“When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: You haven’t.” ~Thomas Edison

It happens about once a week, sometimes more often. Someone in the house comes to me and says, “It’s lost. I can’t find my _______, and I’ve looked everywhere!” I invariably ask if they’re sure they’ve looked everywhere and suggest a few places where I think the missing item might be.

“I looked there. It’s not there,” comes the response, as predictable as clockwork. Then I go to the place I suggested, and either find the item in plain sight or underneath something. As some prophet of yore wisely said, “Nothing is really lost until mom can’t find it.”

When we lose something, action is required. A search must ensue. Sometimes it takes—this is shocking, so brace yourselves—moving something out of the way to find it. Wow! This is mom folklore from generations gone by. Until now this truth has apparently been unknown to most of the world, or at least to those residents of the world who live in my house.

But there’s a transferable lesson for all of us here: if we really want God’s continual presence, strength, and wisdom, we may have to shift a few priorities and look where we’ve likely looked before.

The search for more of God can feel defeating when we believe we’ve already looked everywhere, tried every devotion, attempted every quiet time strategy, and still haven’t found what we’re missing. I urge you (as I continually urge myself) to look again with the assurance that He wants to be known by you as much as you want to know Him. It will require a focused quest, but earnestly seeking Him works every time.

“I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me” (Prov. 8:17 NLT).

“You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek'” (Ps. 27:8 NLT).

“Seeking His face” might sound sort of heady or churchy, but it simply means looking to God for personal guidance, reassurance, and peace in whatever circumstance we face. We weren’t meant to navigate this life alone, and if you’ve ever hit a bumpy patch, you may recall that divine wisdom and peace didn’t just drop into your lap—it took a bit of pursuit.

God is always reaching toward us, longing to partner and carry our burdens. He patiently waits for us to reach toward Him.

Even if you’ve already looked for a deeper connection with God and haven’t found it, I want to lovingly encourage you to look again. The Lord promises to be found by anyone who looks for more of Him. And He is worth seeking.

Gracious Father, You promise to draw near to everyone who draws near to You. In the face of uncertain circumstance, pain, or even joy, we come seeking You! We come in search of the wisdom, peace, and guidance that comes from You. Will You make Your unconditional love known to each woman who comes earnestly seeking Your presence? Lovingly remind each one that she is not alone! Thank You for giving to us so freely and taking us as we are. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture for Reflection

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (Ps. 105:4 NIV)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”  (Jas. 1:5 NIV)

Reach for More

This week, try setting aside just ten minutes every day to mediate on one verse or praise song. Not sure where to start? Proverbs is a great option! It is full of wisdom both practical and profound. Read one verse a day and meditate on it throughout your routine. If you’re on the go and meditation seems unlikely, consider playing inspirational music throughout your day. Bethel worship music is available free online, and the lyrics are based on eternal truths which bring an awareness of God’s presence and great love for you. The power of inspired music is undeniable and changes the atmosphere for the better when it’s on.

Dear friends, we can do this. Be confident and brave in your quest for more of God’s presence in your life. As much as we desire to draw near to Him, He desires to draw near to us. You are not alone!

Please, come back and leave a comment telling us about how God spoke to you this week, or share your progress on social media using the hashtag #tgtreachformore. We would love to hear from you.

Melinda Mattson will follow any sign that leads to the promise of vintage décor and repurposed treasures. As a wife and mom to two dear daughters, her home is filled with equal measures of sugar and spice. She loves kindness and Jesus and is glad they’re meant to come as a package deal. She aims to embrace both with equal fervor. Melinda blogs at www.melindamattson.com.