Do we search for God?

“I love those who love me, and whoever searches for me can find me”  (Prov. 8:17).

The first clause is a clear statement that God does not withhold his love from those who love him. In ancient days, many tribes and cultures thought of god as aloof and under no obligation to favor those who claimed him as their deity. To get god’s approval required a significant effort on the part of the worshipper and even then it might not be enough, or offered in an unacceptable way. The God of the Old Testament, however, was a God who could be counted on to return the love offered by his chosen people. So Solomon makes it clear that God loves those who love him. 
       Now in New Testament times one might question the same statement as not representing the God revealed in his Son, Christ Jesus. Didn’t God say through John that he “loved the world” and that “whoever” believed would not perish (John 3:16)? That sounds like a pretty extensive and all-inclusive kind of love. Theologians will argue whether God’s love can or cannot be considered “sufficient for all, efficient for some,” but would it not be better to let it say what it says without undue concern for theological undertones? I know I am loved by God simply because I love him. My love doesn’t make him love me; it is just a simple way of emphasizing the mutuality of true love.
       It is the second clause that reminds me that God is available for those who are serious about establishing a relationship with him. Those who “search” will “find.” Here again, meaning can be diminished by losing focus in the pursuit of subtle nuances. Some might say, “But I thought that man, the sinner, doesn’t search for God, but spends his life trying to get away from him. Isn’t God the father of the prodigal son and in that role watches expectantly for the son to come to his senses and return home?” The answer is Yes, God “searches” for us in the sense that he took the initiative and in the incarnate Son made a sacrifice that allowed all prodigal “sons” to return and be reunited with him. But in a slightly different sense, man “searches” for God. Deep in the heart of every person is a longing for something from without to come and fill the vacuum resulting from our being created in the image of God. That man is not aware of that for which he longs is but another aspect of the sinful nature. 
       So I would argue that God is searching for us and we are searching for him, although in different ways. To think seriously about the condition requires an openness to all that scripture teaches and a willingness to accept the fact that language is a less than perfect instrument for transferring information. Rejoice in the fact that God loves you and however it happens, you are enabled to get what you really want.