I Searched

Even those of us blessed to grow up in the church may go through a time of searching, especially in our younger days. We search for fun, happiness, joy, peace and love in many places and in many ways, and sometimes we search in vain. For what, we don't know. Been there… done that! 

But did you know that our hearts were born to seek? All the while as we grow up and mature, we’re seeking and learning, trying to find our place in this great big world.

We wonder if our life makes a difference. Does anyone care? What is our value, and how is it measured? To prove our worth, we may seek wealth, fame, praise, prestige, and power. And often we think we’ve found it in relationships and possessions. In reality, our search for true peace and joy has nothing to do with these things. We don't find our value where the world finds its value.  

So we carry on as our hearts seek something better to fill the void in our soul. In reality, we are “lookin’ for love in all the wrong places” as the song says. (“Looking for love” sung by Johnny Lee, written by Wanda Mallette, Patti Ryan and Bob Morrison; 1980 movie “Urban Cowboy.”)

So we keep searching until we realize the something that’s missing is ultimately only found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”(Matthew 6:33) 

For God created us and put within our hearts a longing for Him…because, as our creator, He desires to have a close relationship with us. He wants us to give up our futile searching. He wants us to give up the world’s false security, our pride, and our faith in all the petty trinkets which hold no eternal value… to gain something far more valuable when we put Him first in our lives.

As we search for God and focus on Him and His love for us, we find that the Apostle Paul’s words “…I no longer live, but Christ lives in me,” say it all. (Galatians 2:20)  For as we seek His will in our lives, we discover that our purpose, our joy and our peace, can come only from God. Like C. S. Lewis wrote in his book The Problem of Pain, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains.” 

And in seeking and finding our Lord, it’s then that the void in our heart and soul is filled… with a peace that only God can give. Our eyes are opened and we see the Lord’s loving hand working through us as we become more like Him… especially, it seems, through the toughest of times. For so often, that’s when our faith grows deeper as we draw closer to our Lord, and rest in His comforting words of wisdom…His loving embrace.

After teaching His disciples to pray, Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9)  As I searched…I found.

I Searched

Linda A. Roorda

In vain I searched the corners of life

As my heart yearned for what it did not know

But might it be the world cannot give

The depth of peace as You hold my soul.

~

In pleasures I searched for the hint of fun

The best this world could ever offer

But disillusioned it caught me up short

When softly I heard Your voice fill the void.

~

In hope I searched for one to carry

For I had fallen from heights I had claimed

Then helped was I by a tender soul

One filled with grace from mercy’s blest store.

~

In silence I searched away from life’s noise

Seeking Your voice in solitude’s calm

Within my prayers Your words then echoed

As You called to me in a still small voice.

~

In forest I searched midst towering trees

For there was I enveloped by peace

And as the sun broke through the dark depths

It mirrored the Son whose light pierced my soul.

~

In valleys I searched along gentle streams

Till gazing upward to towering peaks

Majestic splendor was captured in view

Of stunning vistas, creation’s glory.

~

In faces I searched Your image to find

Those with a heart of compassion true

The humble and meek without prideful boast

Till one in tatters lent a hand to me.

~

In faith I searched for the living truth

Of One whose claims have captured my heart

For my soul was cleansed when You took my place

Lifting me up to heights of Your love.

~

In children I searched for innocence sweet

The gift of love not lost in their eyes

Like arms open wide are their hearts and souls

Freely they give without asking more.

~

In love I searched for the best in friends

Someone to hold and treasure for life

To carry my dreams on the wings of time

As ever I cling to faith, hope, and love.

~

With joy I found all this and more

As my heart sang out its praises of You

For is it not true that blessings are mine

From the depth of peace as You hold my soul.

~~

Published originally at Poetic Devotions by Linda.