Not Even One
Scripture Reading — Psalm 14
The LORD looks down from heaven … to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
Psalm 14:2
As we reflect on incentives God gives us for seeking him, we can see that the rewards are priceless. They are what we all, deep down, really crave.
The problem is that we often look for the right things in the wrong places. And, worse, as we learn from heaven’s point of view, not even one of us is willing to look in the right place. We are stuck on trying to do things our own way, not God’s way. So when God looks down from heaven, searching for even one person searching for him, he finds no one.
That’s astounding, isn’t it? There is so much spirituality these days—and, in fact, there always has been. We are incurably religious. The world is full of temples, mosques, shrines, churches, and synagogues. Songs, dramas, art—all are laced with appeals to God.
But when God looks down on all this “god–seeking spirituality” he announces that he really doesn’t see any true god–seeking in any of it. What people are looking for is a god to serve them. And, truly, God is a great help to us all. He is our only help and strength. But God is seeking people who are looking for the God they can trust with their whole life and future, rather than simply a god they can use for their own purposes.
Sadly, none of us surrenders on our own. It takes God’s grace to lower our knees.
Father, forgive me when my only purpose in seeking you is merely to use you. By your grace, may I seek you simply because of who you are. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen
About the author — Kenneth D. Koeman
Rev. Ken Koeman is a pastor at Bellevue, Washington, Christian Reformed Church. He has written Today devotions in past years and has also authored numerous articles for The Banner, the magazine of the Christian Reformed Church. Ken and his wife, Kay, live in Bellevue and have two children and five grandchildren.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!