If . . . you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.

— Deuteronomy 4:29

“I can’t stand Sundays!” Maria wrote to us angrily. She shared that on Sundays she often felt lonely and empty because many of her friends were busy with their families and churches.

Maria is a single woman with no church affiliation. She is unhappy about her situation. She says she tried dating in the past but didn’t find the right man. She also went to a few ­churches but felt that they weren’t good enough either.

In our response to Maria we suggested that perhaps she shouldn’t focus mainly on searching for the right man or even the right congregation. The Bible teaches that everyone’s main concern should be about seeking the Lord first. That’s the initial step on our journey to peace and happiness.

In our passage for today we hear a call to seek the Lord. This prophetic word was originally spoken to God’s people who would be scattered in exile many years later. The call is followed by a promise that those who are earnest in their search will find the Lord.

Please note that the act of seeking God is more than just a first step or a phase in our spiritual growth. Rather, it is a lifelong quest. The continued search for God, leading to the deepening experience of his love, is the foundation of our inner peace.

Father, lead us to you in faith, obedience, and love. Guide us each day and teach us to be fully committed to you. In Jesus, Amen.