When our twin boys were young, they loved playing hide and seek with my husband. This became a daily routine with them and filled our home with great joy and loud squeals of laughter. It was a thrilling game of adventure and discovery, with the purpose of developing relationship.
My husband purposefully hid with the intent of being found. He left clues, made little noises, or hid in plain sight under a blanket in the middle of a room. The game was not done when they found him; the next phase was Him chasing them, resulting in him scooping them up in his arms and loving on them. Again and again.
The same is true with our heavenly Father. He wants an intimate, personal relationship with you. He invites you into a discovery process that will bring joy and delight. He has hidden treasures for you to discover in His Word and by engaging Him in prayer/conversation, and then receiving His love and delight.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” (Jeremiah 33:3 ESV)
“And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10 ESV)
I encourage you to have this mindset of discovery, engagement and fun when you pray and read your Bible. God wants you to seek His Word, not just to find answers but to discover His unconditional love, nature and Life. He will then “chase you” with His goodness and mercy to love on you.
Before reading the Bible or praying:
Here’s a simple way to practically apply this today:
- Acknowledge God’s presence is with you and invite Him to reveal what He wants to show you. Here’s a simple prayer I often say to engage my heart before reading His Word.
“Father God, I thank you for Your Word, which is alive and active! I ask you to show me what I need to see, teach me what I need to know and understand, and prepare me for all that you have for me. I have eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart open to understand. I ask you to show me Truth. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
- While reading His Word, ask Him questions about what you are reading. You can close your eyes and imagine what that looks like in your life right now. Is there anything He is showing you? Does He have any instructions for you? Write those things down and then continue to dialogue throughout the day with Him.
- Receive His goodness, mercy and love. You are His child in whom He delights in and loves unconditionally!