Have you ever wondered why you're thinking about God?

People seek God for a variety of reasons. Some think their search will lead to a more fulfilling life or a greater sense of purpose. Others are looking for relief from their pain. Still others are curious and just want to find out what's true.

What's your reason? You should be aware of your aspirations and motivations, because you may be looking for the wrong thing.

For example, perhaps you're a seeker because you want to find greater happiness. What if you do find God, but your life circumstances lead to less happiness? Will you feel cheated? Believers often report that God gives them greater joy, meaning, and purpose in life. But nearly every believer will also admit to experiencing periods of difficulty.

So this is a good question to ask yourself: What am I looking for? And, conversely, what does God offer me?

As you read God's book, the Bible, you'll discover how much He's already given. But He may not give you exactly what you've anticipated. So expect the unexpected, and make it your goal to find God, no matter what the outcome or perks. The bottom line is that a true seeker seeks the Giver of life, not just His gifts.

How big do you want your God to be?

Two people who have fallen deeply in love don't go into marriage with the intention of ignoring each other's wishes after the wedding ceremony. Such a commitment involves adjusting personal priorities in the interest of building the relationship. When they establish their residence, for example, a couple will usually discuss at length the furnishings, wall hangings, and other touches that will make their house (or apartment) a home. In the same way, it would be absurd for a seeker to open up to God but give no thought to the possibility that God may want to rearrange a few pieces of furniture when He moves in.

Of course, some people are fearful that God wants to throw out all the furniture and condemn their house as un-inhabitable. But nothing could be further from the truth! God created us to be in relationship with Him and with each other. Through the Bible, God tells us that He wants us to enjoy this life in a way that's in line with His purpose for us.

But the question remains: Do you realize that God wants to be a powerful presence in your life, not just an idea in your head?

Many seekers declare intellectual reasons for dismissing the claims of the Bible, but in truth, they are not willing to give up some activity they know is offensive to God. If that's you, you need to know that God will take you as you are, but He doesn't want to leave you as you are. He wants you to let Him make you into what He wants you to be.

Who do you think Jesus is?

A spiritual seeker may think the proper order of inquiry is to first decide if there is a God (a philosophical question) and then figure out who Jesus is (a historical question). But another and possibly even more exciting way would be the reverse order. Many seekers discover that when they deal with the person of Jesus, they find answers to many of their other questions at the same time.

Is there a God?

Yes, and He came to earth in human form in the person of Jesus Christ.

The Bible says in John chapter 16, verse 28, "I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."

Does God love me?

Yes! Look at what He did to show that love: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him" (John chapter 3, verses 16, 17).

Reconsider that question in the light of the fact that God wants a relationship with you, not your religious affiliation.

"You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus...There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians chapter 3, verses 26-28).

Continued