Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah 9:23-24

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on Him God the Father has set His seal.”
John 6:26-27

Most people come to God at first because of a physical, material need. Something pinches and alerts us that we need help beyond ourselves.

It might be a scary medical diagnosis. Maybe I’m out of work and wondering how to pay the rent. Maybe I can’t afford the medicine I’m supposed to be taking. Sometimes it’s a family crisis, or a child that’s gotten into trouble.

So we come to Jesus, we pray, and we find the help we need, and then we either just go back to our lives and forget about Him, or we start getting more serious about seeking Him, because we have discovered that there are advantages to life with God in it.

But at some point we find that aside from the perks of answered prayers and a Heavenly Father to whom I can run for help and comfort, it’s just good, satisfying, healing, knowing Him. Our heart begins to enjoy hearing Him speak and revel in His presence. We seek Him, just for His sake.

That’s the goal, all along, in God’s mind. That’s where real healing, spiritual maturity and growth take place.

Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:25-26

Lord Jesus, bring me to that place where I seek You, just for You. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles