Seek the Lord While He is Near

Have you ever wondered what it means to seek the Lord while He is near?

If God is everywhere all the time, why does today’s verse imply a timeline?

“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.”

Isaiah 55:6 (ESV)

Isaiah wrote these words about 200 years before the Babylonian Empire crumbled! At this point in the story, God is preparing His people to return home (which we see happen in Ezra and Nehemiah).

And while today’s verse may seem straightforward, there is a surprising twist.

Here’s the question:

When we think about seeking the Lord, we often think about the moments we feel emotionally closest to Him, like worship, in prayer, or while reading His Word. But Isaiah’s message is a call to seek God even when we don’t “feel” His presence. Even when our circumstances seem bleak.

Just as the Israelites were encouraged to seek the Lord amidst the chaos of a crumbling empire, we too are called to seek Him in the midst of our own struggles and uncertainties. With banks failing, economic uncertainty, and wars, we certainly face trying times.

Our Great Advantage to Seek the Lord While He is Near

Seeking the Lord means more than just calling out His name. It is an intentional pursuit of His presence. A burning desire to know Him — not just about Him. And a willingness to submit to His will.

Calling upon God also requires that we prepare our hearts. Because often, His guidance and direction contradict our own desires or expectations. But, it’s always better, higher, and more glorious!

The best part? Today, we have an unbelievable advantage. We live in the New Covenant. Jesus brings God’s presence nearer than most people in the Old Testament ever expected. We are filled with the very Spirit of God!

As Hebrews 4:16 reminds us:

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Reflect on this powerful message from Isaiah. Seek the Lord with intentionality and openness. Remember, God is near. We can approach His throne with boldness in Jesus. And He longs for us to seek Him in every season of life.

Ask yourself this simple question: In what area of my life do I need to seek the Lord while He is near, today?