Finding and experiencing God is like hunting for a buried treasure. When a person becomes aware that a valuable treasure exists that could possibly make all their dreams come true, they take an interest in finding it. Give them a map with directions and they become determined to find it because it's only a matter of time until they find it. They will do whatever it takes, be willing to give up everything they have and even risk their lives to find it. When they do finally possess the treasure, they are overjoyed beyond description because its riches are theirs to enjoy forever unless they do something foolish to lose it.
This metaphor of the treasure hunt is what it was like for me in my search to find and experienced God for myself. I have known God and enjoyed his love and help ever since (for more than 25 years).
It takes all of our heart, mind, soul and strength to find God. The ones who find God are those who are spiritually hungry and thirsty, who will not give up seeking God until they find and know him. When they do find God and experience his love and acceptance, they become aware that they have found the greatest treasure ever and that they can know and experience God for eternity.
Nothing else can compare or compete with knowing and experiencing God. God gives the highest of all highs with his love, peace and joy that are beyond description. Knowing God is the greatest of all treasures.
So what's the secret to finding and experiencing God? Perhaps you've visited a church or another religious meeting but have not experienced God’s love or acceptance for yourself. God is not found in buildings or in religion itself but God is revealed in the Bible. The Bible is the map for the treasure and Jesus words give the directions on how to know and experience God.
Jesus words have and give eternal life. To understand Jesus words we must become like a small child without preconceived ideas or assumptions about God and simply read Jesus words, consider what he says and be open to follow what he asks. Then it happens. We find ourselves beginning to experience God’s love and acceptance. We will know we have found him when God has made his home within us. God’s plan and destiny for every person who wants it, is to know and experience him for themselves by believing, trusting and following his son Jesus in the Bible.
Do you want to know and experience God for yourself? It is yours to have. You can go to any bookstore and buy a $10 NIV Bible then begin to read Jesus words of eternal life. Some Bibles even have Jesus words in red letters. If you read the four Gospels with a receptive and responsive heart to Jesus words, and follow what he asks, then God guarantees that you will find, know and experience his love and acceptance for yourself.
Now it is up to you. God reveals himself to those who seek him with all their heart. I encourage you to go for it! Perhaps you have experienced difficulties, which have made you angry with or uncertain about God. God is able to work through those things if you will give him a chance to prove his love for you.