Jeremiah 24:4-7  Then the word of the LORD came to me: “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Like these good figs, I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I sent away from this place to the land of the Babylonians. My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.” (NIV)

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Here’s a question worth pondering: Do you really want to know God? 

The truth is, we know God about as well as we want to. A further truth is, He wants to be known more than we choose to know Him. 

Look at verse seven: 

“I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.”

Half-hearted, ho-hum approaches to our Father in Heaven are not well-rewarded. It’s really hard to know God at a deep level while watching television. It’s a challenge to hear His voice above the din of a coffee shop. On the other hand, a regular appointment, morning by morning, midday by midday, and evening by evening, helps us hone the craft of leaning in to listen. 

The heart that hungers for more of God finds sustenance. The heart that thirsts for more of His goodness receives refreshment.

Wholehearted anticipation and expectation of knowing and experiencing God always places us in His presence, opens our ears, opens our eyes, and opens our minds to His grace and goodness. 

I was invited to a party years ago. The invitation said, “Come Hungry.” That was a good party. Our arrival was greeted by the lovely aroma of a smoker at work putting the finishing touches on a perfect brisket. 

Your imagination can take it from there. 

Today’s Bible text from Jeremiah sounds a lot like that invitation, doesn’t it? God receives with great joy all who come in hopeful anticipation. He is gracious to everyone who truly wants to know Him for who He is. 

We get about as much of God as we want. Here are a couple of questions to take with you through the day: 

How much of God do you want? 

How much of yourself are you willing to give to Him? 

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I will seek to know and experience God with all that I am and all that I have.

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Our Father, I come to you with a hunger and thirst for more of you. I want to know you morning, noon, and night. I want to experience you throughout my days. Give me ears to hear your voice. Give me a willing and obedient heart to do what you say and to follow where you lead. I belong to you. Amen.