Hidden Storefront (Psalms 14:2-3)

My wife and I were searching for a fabled restaurant in a city we had never visited. We were confident we would find it, navigating the streets and alleys using our smartphones and guidebooks. However, despite these aids, we kept running into dead ends. The restaurant’s name was long, one that could easily be found on a storefront. Surely, we should be able to find it? After several more attempts, we spied an ordinary doorway just in time to see someone exiting. We stopped the person and discovered we had found the restaurant with a hidden storefront, tucked away in a humble subway station!

While it did make us earnestly search for the restaurant, if someone else casually explored the area, it is unlikely that they would realize such an esteemed restaurant was in such a humble location. The owner of this restaurant knew that hungry and eager foodies would seek out his restaurant. It was all by word of mouth; he did not have to advertise. Like myself, many expend much effort to find something that will bring pleasure, confident that it will be worth it.

Do we seek God in the same manner? Are there clearly defined signs and signals that point to God or His existence, hidden from us? How can we find God?

The LORD looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one! 

Psalms 14:2-3 (NLT)

Our sins prevent us from seeking God. Instead, we seek the pleasures of this world to fulfill our desires. However, these will never completely satisfy us. God has created us with a God-shaped hole in our hearts that only He can fill and satisfy. If we cannot seek God by our efforts, how can we find God? The wonderful truth is that God is seeking us!

For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.

Luke 19:10 (NLT)

Jesus Christ came to this world to offer His plan of redemption to all who hear Him. God took the initiative to save us, who are helpless and powerless to save ourselves. God desires for us to find Him to reconcile the relationship that was broken by our sins. God isn’t hidden. God is always before us, seeking to find us and be joined with Him through faith and belief in Jesus Christ. 

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.