Earlier this week, I shared about the importance of giving thanks to God. When only one of ten healed lepers returned to thank Jesus for his miracle, Jesus asked where the other nine were. Jesus was looking for people with thankful hearts, and He still looks for thankful people today. We can find other Scripture passages that tell us God is looking for some other qualities as well.

One account that gives more insight is the story of Jesus meeting a woman at a well, found in the fourth chapter of John. The woman seems confused about the type of worship God desires, explaining how different people worship in different ways. Jesus answers by explaining to her that the real priority in worship is not how someone worships or where they do so. What really matters is the condition of the heart of the person who is worshiping. He explains, “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him” (John 4:23). Notice that it’s not so much the worship that God desires; it’s the worshiper that He’s after. God is seeking people who will wholeheartedly and sincerely serve Him with a pure heart. That is true worship, and those are the true worshipers He seeks.

Second Chronicles 16:9 amplifies this truth by explaining, “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (NLT). What an awesome thought! God is actually searching the whole earth looking for people to help, strengthen, and bless! According to this scripture, the ones who receive are those “whose heart is completely His” (NAS). We need to keep tender hearts that stay committed to the Lord and loyal to His calling.

These two scripture passages demonstrate that God is looking for people with hearts that are sincere, pure, and committed to Him. We should always hold our relationship with God as our first priority, being careful to let nothing else take His place. That’s what pleases Him and what He desires to see in our lives. If we will guard our hearts and stay loyal to Him, we will see Him show Himself strong on our behalf!