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Glenn Shorrock released an interesting song some years back called Soul Searching. I’ve only just recently heard it. Lots of songs I’ve missed out on over the years. I’ve been too busy, but this particular song caught my attention. The words say, ‘I’m looking for something, I can’t find it in any place. It’s there in the distance, staring me in the face right in front of me, but it’s way beyond my reach, and I know that I must try to find it. Soul searching, looking for myself. Soul searching, Lord, I need a little help. Soul searching, time has slipped away. There’s a dream I left behind in better days. I’m going to take another look inside of my heart.’

Now, I’m not aware of the story behind those lines, but I do know a lot of people do some soul searching. In our busy world, we often don’t stop enough to do some soul searching. We don’t slow down to ask the big questions.

Reflection and soul searching

When COVID hit us, we were forced to do that. What did we find? Were our questions answered? Maybe we’re still searching. And the reality is, we always have been, always will be. Is there something far beyond my reach, as the words in that song say. We’re all seeking something out of this life, and we especially start seeking something when we’re troubled. Some people seek happiness, or to forget whatever’s going on when they’re troubled. Others are in search of treasure, prosperity, or love. And then there are those that search for knowledge – spiritual enlightenment or God, especially when they feel in need.

Simply put, soul searching means trying to find meaning and purpose in life. It’s all about figuring out the why for our existence. It’s about fueling our lives with purpose and intent. Soul searching. It’s something we all do at one point or another. It’s very healthy and meaningful to engage in soul searching. Everybody is searching for something or someone. But how do you know when you’ve found what you’re looking for?

Most people, well, it’s a feeling that you get, a journey of self-discovery that allows you to explore your thoughts, your emotions, your beliefs, and to gain a deeper understanding of who you are at the core of your life. What is that instinct that causes us to be in search of something, even when we believe we’ve found what we’re looking for? Many people don’t realise it, but what they’re actually doing is soul searching. It means taking time to go deeper.

Solomon was the wisest man to live at one time. In the Old Testament world, he had everything. We can read his words in the Book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 1, for example – I was king over Israel. I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that’s done. He said, I have seen all the things that are done under the sun. All of them are meaningless, like chasing after the wind. Solomon’s wealth was immense. He had a beautiful, magnificent palace. His household was huge. If he wanted to build something, he built it. He burnt the midnight oil. He’d drank deeply from the well of knowledge, but that didn’t work. He married 700 women, had 300 concubines. He stockpiled gold, silver, other treasures, and he became the greatest and richest king in the history of the world. But Solomon found that life with all the experiences was empty, and it was like striving after the wind. In the end, Solomon turned to the Lord. He said in Ecclesiastes 8:12, I know that it will be well with those that fear God.

And that’s exactly the point here. We can only experience a fulfilled life as we pursue a meaningful relationship with the giver of life, God. Physical things cannot replace our need for spiritual communion with our Creator God. And if you think earthly things are going to bring you lasting fulfilment, take it from the greatest king in ancient history. They will only leave you empty. Only God can satisfy the longings of your soul. And if you’re searching for God, what is your motivation? Do you really want to find Him?

Do you want to have a relationship with him, or is God more like a genie in a bottle that you can use to further your own plans and agenda? Seeking God is about developing an intimate relationship with Him, not just to get what you want when you want it. So this morning, if you are searching God, check your motivations and intentions and search with all your heart, develop a single-minded devotion to God, consecrate yourself to Him, and commit to Him daily fellowship through study of the Bible and prayer. He wants to be found. You know, the search is over when you give your life to Jesus.

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Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, thank you that there are times when we can all do some serious soul searching, and Lord, help us to have the courage to understand what it is we’re looking for – the empty void that we feel inside. Lord, you are the only one who can really fill that void, and I thank you that your Word tells us it’s possible. Amen.

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