Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Esther 4:1–7:10, 1 Corinthians 12:1–26, Psalm 36:1–12, Proverbs 21:21–22

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Seek Him For Him

There are many reasons we come to God. We need direction, healing, provision, answers, protection, wisdom, or help with something we simply cannot handle on our own. And God welcomes us when we come with our needs. He is our Father, and He wants us to depend upon Him.

But there is another kind of seeking that draws us into a deeper relationship with Him—the kind where we come because we simply want Him.

The Lord explains it beautifully in today’s Gem of Knowledge: 

“By giving Me time every day, your undivided attention and worship, with no other motives than to love Me and be with Me, this is how you will find Me.”

There is something deeply intimate about spending time with someone when you want nothing from them.

You aren’t there because you need a favor. You aren’t trying to accomplish something. You simply love them and want to be near them.

God desires that kind of relationship with us too.

In Esther 4, Esther suddenly finds herself facing something far greater than herself. Haman has arranged for the destruction of her people, and Mordecai challenges Esther to recognize that perhaps God has positioned her in the palace “for just such a time as this” (Esther 4:14, NLT).

But Esther doesn’t immediately rush into action.

She first calls everyone to fast.

“Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same” (Esther 4:16, NLT).

Before Esther approached the king, she sought God.

Before the strategy came the surrender. Before the action came the time set apart.

And after those days of fasting, Esther walked forward with remarkable wisdom. She didn’t panic or impulsively accuse Haman. She waited. She prepared a banquet. Then another. She moved carefully until the right moment came, and God used her obedience to expose what had been hidden.

Perhaps some of the wisdom we are asking God for is found in the time we haven’t yet given Him.

Psalm 36 gives us a beautiful picture of what happens when we draw near to God. David says, “You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights. For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see” (Psalm 36:8–9, NLT).

I love that.

The light by which we see.

We often come to God asking Him to show us what to do, where to go, or how something will work out. But sometimes the answer isn’t found by concentrating harder on the problem. It comes by drawing closer to the One who gives us light to see.

First Corinthians 12 reminds us that God has also given each of us His Spirit and placed us within the body of Christ according to His design. “God has put each part just where he wants it” (1 Corinthians 12:18, NLT). We don’t have to manufacture our place, our gifting, or our purpose. As we know Him, we begin to recognize how He has made us and where He is leading us.

But relationship must come before usefulness.

God doesn’t only want the part of your day where you bring Him your prayer list. He wants your heart. Your attention. Your affection. Your worship. He wants moments when you close the door on everything else and say, Lord, I don’t need anything from You right now. I just want to be with You.

That kind of time can feel difficult in a world constantly competing for our attention. Phones buzz. Responsibilities call. Thoughts wander. Even our quiet time can become another task to accomplish.

But love makes room.

And perhaps that is the invitation today—not simply to find more time for God, but to give Him time that belongs completely to Him.

No agenda.

No multitasking.

No ulterior motive.

Just love.

Because when we stop seeking only what God can give us and begin seeking God Himself, we discover something far greater than the answer we came looking for.

We find Him. 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Set aside a few minutes today that belong completely to God. Put away your phone and anything else competing for your attention. Don’t begin with your list of needs. Worship Him, talk with Him, sit quietly with Him, or simply tell Him what you love about Him. Give Him your undivided attention for no other reason than this: you love Him and want to be with Him.

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Prayer

Lord, I don’t want to seek You only when I need something from You. I want to know You because I love You. Teach me to quiet the distractions around me and give You my undivided attention. Help me make room for You every day—not out of obligation, but because being with You becomes the desire of my heart. Thank You for welcoming me into Your presence and for being the fountain of life and the light by which I see. More than answers, blessings, or direction, Lord, I want You. Draw me closer and help me know You more. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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