What do the Highlights magazine “Hidden Objects” page, the “I spy” game, and “Where’s Waldo” have in common?
In the Highlights magazine, the “Hidden Objects” page features a list of objects hiding in a picture. The reader scans the image closely to seek to discover the objects.
In the simple game of “I Spy,” one player spies something they can see, offering only one clue. For example, I spy something blue. This could refer to water, the sky, or anything blue. The rest of the players take turns trying to identify the secretly chosen object.
In the colorful Waldo books, children of all ages scour the images to locate Waldo wearing his trademark red and white striped shirt and glasses. The purpose involves seeking out the “hidden” location of Waldo. Though it may sound easy, each set of facing pages offers a new challenge.
Each of these fun activities involves seeking and finding.
When Sammy and Sophie were young, I purchased some seek and find books – I’m not sure who had more fun seeking out the “hidden” objects in the pictures, my kids or myself? I have even bought a few board books for my granddaughter that hide objects connected to Bible stories. So fun!
I appreciate that in these three similar activities, the objects seem concealed and mysterious, yet if we search long enough, they become visible. The objects we seek have been there all along, yet sometimes it takes a little time to notice, identify, and locate them.
Have you played “I Spy” or combed through a hidden objects book lately? “I Spy” is a great game to play on road trips, when on a walk, or even when waiting in traffic or for an appointment.
God invites us to seek Him. Because we choose to follow Jesus, our focus and attention can look to Him in how we live. We are summoned to live aware, attentive, and awake to God and His movements, but do we?
Colossians 3:1 – If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Many Psalms encourage us to seek the Lord. Psalm 105, a historical Psalm, reminds us that in seeking the Lord, we remember the wonders He has done. Seeking God leads to gratitude. Psalm 9:10 challenges those who know God to trust in Him because He has never abandoned those who seek Him. Seeking God offers safety and security. Psalm 119:10 causes us to recall the importance of seeking God with all of our heart, as this helps us remain faithful followers of God. Setting our hearts upon the Lord helps us live obedient and faithful to God. Seeking God impacts the way we live.
When we seek God we live in wonder of who He is. Gazing at Him rightly aligns the focus of our heart and mind throughout the day. God is not hiding. He is there with us, but too often we miss the mysterious nature of His presence. Seek God in the joy and the sorrow – He is there. Ponder His presence – look for Him. God’s presence is promised (Matthew 28:20) and He meets our soul in His abounding love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15).
Do you live alive to God’s presence and love? How might you live with greater awareness of God’s companionship with you?
Unfortunately, the concerns of the world often overshadow God’s presence and love. Distractions keep us from seeking God and we miss “seeing” Him in the midst of everyday work, activity, and commitments. In the sermon on the mount Jesus points out some of those distractions like clothing, food, anxiety, and fear.
What distractions or anxieties keep you from seeking and seeing God?
Rest in the reassurance that when we seek God (when we look for Him) He will be found by us. Proverbs 8:17, Isaiah 55:6, and Jeremiah 29:13 affirm this timeless reality. May our souls experience refreshment from God as we seek Him. He does not forget us and He notices when we seek Him (Psalm 14:2). Discover God’s presence in your everyday living. He often reveals Himself in small and ordinary ways like a kindly spoken word, a gentle breeze, resources to pay bills, and encouragement found in Scripture.
Proverbs 8:17 – I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.
In what ways will you seek the Lord throughout your day? Perhaps mark your calendar or phone at a specific time to reflect and develop greater awareness of God’s presence? Maybe awake each morning with a simple prayer asking God to help you live alert and alive to His movements throughout the day?
Play “I Spy” with God – live with a curiosity of His presence. Let God reveal Himself. Set your heart upon the Lord and seek Him. Remember God’s faithfulness by paying attention to His invitations throughout the day. Look and linger with God.
Receive His kindness and grace as you devote your heart to seeking the Lord your God.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Jeremiah 29:13 – You will seek me and find me; when you seek me with all your heart.
Psalm 86:15 – But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Anthony De Mello. Seek God Everywhere: Reflections on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. 2010.
Jennifer Hayes Yates. Seek Him First: How to Hear from God, Walk in His Will, and Change Your World. 2018.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Larry Fleet. Where I Find God. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lzl8-_4qzyk
Sean Curran. Want It All. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUxFPTnlWuM
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
September 27 – Littleton, CO
Front Range Christian School Staff MeetingIf you’d like to watch a video from when I shared with Denver Seminary students about my trip to the Ukraine – here is the link: https://vimeo.com/846794477?share=copy