Does God put a yearning in our hearts for Him?
Question:
Does God place a yearning for him in our hearts so that we seek Him? Is this yearning misunderstood by us and we start trying to fill this void with worldly things? Why is it that some people know early in life what that yearning is, and seek Him right away while the others, either never find out what the yearning is, or find out what it is very late in life?
Is there a scripture that mentions some kind of yearning?
Answer:
The closest passage that I could find is: "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end" (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Though we are mortal people, God has given us an understanding of eternity. It doesn't mean we are able to fully understand the Eternal God, but we can understand the concept.
We are also given knowledge of God through the world in which we live. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork" (Psalms 19:1). But people don't always desire to be ruled by God. It leaves God with no option but to punish. "'But as for those whose hearts follow the desire for their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their deeds on their own heads,' says the Lord GOD" (Ezekiel 11:21).
People understand that there has to be something greater than themselves. But rather than follow the evidence, they create imaginary gods. "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things" (Romans 1:20-23). But what man imagines is totally inadequate to explain the universe around us.
Why do some seek God and others do not? It boils down to the simple matter of choice. "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD" (Proverbs 1:28-29). Some people, because of their choice, develop a strong desire for God.
"My soul longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God" (Psalms 84:2).
"As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?" (Psalms 42:1-2).
"O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water" (Psalms 63:1).
However, I know of no passage that states that this desire is present or built into every person.
