How to Search Earnestly for God (Psalm 78:34-35) - Your Daily Bible Verse - October 22
BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: And they returned and sought earnestly for God. Then they remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God their Redeemer. Psalm 78:34-35
How to Search Earnestly for God
by Jennifer Waddle
Millions of Christians, all over the world, would give anything to have the religious freedoms we have in America. Not only to hold the Living Word in their hands, but to read and share it freely, would be like winning the lottery to them.
Here, in our westernized culture, with Bibles gathering dust on bookshelves, and Bible apps stored away on our phones, I’m afraid we’ve lost our fervor for the precious and holy Word of God.
Meet Earnest—also known as eagerness and wholeheartedness—a forgotten virtue of the Christian faith. The earnestness to get up each day and meet with God in worship has been replaced by to-do lists and agendas. An earnestness to share the Gospel within our circle of influence has been hindered by tolerance and complacency.
I am writing these things to myself as well, sadly realizing how much earnestness has escaped my busy, daily life; how the zeal I once had for Christ has been overshadowed by worldly desires and restless temptations.
But now, more than ever before, we have an amazing opportunity to rekindle an earnestness for the Word of God; to read and to study, to share and uphold, and to shine the light of God’s truths in dark places. For the Word of God truly is living and active, able to penetrate the deepest intents of the heart.
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Meet Earnest—the attribute that ushers in an excitement for the things of God—and rekindles our tiny flame of faith into a raging fire of conviction and motivation.
My prayer for Christians everywhere, is that we will awaken anew to the life-giving truths of the Bible and yearn for them as for daily bread. I ask, in the precious name of Jesus, that we will pick up that Bible, dust it off, and open it as often as we can. I ask for the Holy Spirit to continue His work in us to reach a hurting and confused world, with the only absolute truth there is. And, lastly, I pray for an earnestness, to once again declare God’s Word—a lamp for our feet and light for our path. (Psalm 119:105)
Related Resource: Study the Book of Daniel with Us This Fall!
What does it look like to live with courage, clarity, and conviction when everything around you feels uncertain? The book of Daniel tells the story of faith under fire—of ordinary people who stayed rooted in God while living in a culture that didn’t share their values. From exile in Babylon to lion’s dens and prophetic dreams, Daniel shows us that small acts of faith can anchor us in uncertain times.
This 12-week journey will help you discover how to live right side up in an upside-down world—with integrity, trust, and unshakable hope. If this episode enables you to know and love God more, be sure to follow How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
