The answer to this question is quite simple. You discover the answer within the pages of God’s Word. Every story told, every parable spoken, every illustration given, tells of God’s heart towards His creation. What you read in every passage of scripture is that God loves you and He wants you to be free from the penalty of your sins.
Love and Salvation drive God’s heart.
One example in the Bible is Isaiah 55:1-13. You read how God makes Himself available for every person who desires to follow His Son. Let’s get a sneak peek into the heart of God:
God gives every person an invitation to become a part of His eternal family. If you are willing, He is ready to reveal Himself to you! Jeremiah 29:13-14a says, “If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me. ‘I will be found by you,’ says the Lord. ‘I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes.'”
Your seeking heart recognizes that this world doesn’t have what you are truly needing. You walk around thirsty. You know something is missing, so you quench your thirst with the wrong things. As you are seeking poorly, God is calling out, “Are you thirsty? Come and drink. It is free!”; see verse 1. God wants you to dine on the finest of foods. While physical food like steak and potatoes are good, God wants to show you that His Presence is what you are craving.
God’s invitation has a requirement. You must respond to the RSVP attached. God wants to know if you are interested in Him. He surely hopes so for He loves you more than you can imagine. It is what drives His heart in pursuing you. He calls out so you will go to Him with open ears. Be ready to listen and to learn what your heart is truly needing. If you listen, you will find (true) life. You will come to know that He is making an everlasting covenant with you.
“I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.”3b
Stop and meditate on this beautiful verse, “Because I, the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious.”5b You have a beauty about you that God says is worthy of pursuing. Although your sins have darkened your soul, God sees who you can become when Jesus enters your life and you follow Him.
Today, seek the Lord while He can be found. Call on Him while He is near. Today is the day of your salvation. You are to turn to the Lord so He can help you change your ways from a sinful lifestyle apart from God to one that is redeemed with Christ. You now live for Him. When you turn to God, you will find mercy and forgiveness. Study verses 8-10 and see what God wants you to learn.
In verse 11, you read the importance of God’s Word. From this verse, why is it vital to know the Bible? If Jesus depended on scripture, you must too.
Where there was gloom, doom, doubt, and even despair, following God’s love and salvation causes quite a stir within your heart. You will experience joy and peace. Your heart will burst into song for happiness exudes a heart that walks with God. New life sprouts up from the thorns and nettles (worldly ways) that once dictated your life.
Living the way God intended will bring great honor to the Lord’s name, as well as an everlasting sign of His power and love; see verse 13. When God’s heart is displayed through you, the world changes for the better. Others will see what drives God’s heart for you, too, will live out His love and salvation.
As you make your way in the coming days after Easter, do not ignore what lies within your heart. Let Jesus burst forth in all areas of your life!
Carol J German 