You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13

“And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown”. And he replied: “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.” – Minnie Louise Haskins (Gate of the Year)

The  poem, “Gate of the year” is one that speaks to the unknown and challenges all who pursue God to do so in faith.  In the poem, our  writer has come to terms with the truth that her journey to the hills of the lone east will be one of darkness and uncertainty, so she asks the man at the gate of the year for light. Knowing very well how unsustainable the light could be, the man advises the writer to walk into the darkness and fix her eyes on God. In the darkness lies the mighty hand of God, and that shall be to her brighter than light and safer than any known way.

In our verse for today, prophet Jeremiah gives us a blessed assurance that when we seek God with all our heart, we will find Him. Like the man at the gate of the year, the prophet is also implying that absolute faith is what is required for an encounter with God. Jeremiah emphasize me the importance of wholehearted devotion, commitment and persistence, highlighting that a superficial search won’t suffice

Let us encourage ourselves with this scripture; all of us who have been calling on the name of God; hoping for an encounter, direction, guidance, healing or breakthrough – and let us empty ourselves.  Let us empty ourselves of worry, greed, fear, doubt. Like the writer, let us walk into the darkness. Let’s make that decision and walk into the unknown, trusting God fully. Only at this place of complete dependence will we experience the glory of our mighty King.