Faith is a Verb: The Meaning of Hebrews 11:6 ('Earnestly Seek Him')

 

 

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." — Hebrews 11:6

Hebrews 11:6 joins belief in God with confidence that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. The title’s “faith is a verb” is a picture of lived trust: belief expressed through earnest seeking. It is not a grammatical definition of faith or a promise that sufficient effort earns God’s favor.

The Two Pillars of Belief

The design starts at the top with the golden, shining arch emerging from the clouds. This represents the first pillar: belief that He exists. This is the source, the immovable reality of God's presence. But the path flowing from it validates the second, equally crucial pillar: belief that He rewards.

The promise of reward is the fuel for the journey. We are not seeking blindly; we are seeking a God who is both real and perfectly generous. Without the expectation of reward—of ultimate fulfillment and eternal life—our seeking is unsustainable.

The Winding Path of Seeking

The vibrant, flowing river/path that winds downward from the source is the visualization of earnestly seeking him. Faith is not a single point of decision; it is a continuous journey. The path has bends, curves, and moments of obscurity (flowing through the darker clouds), acknowledging the complexities and uncertainties of life. Diligence is required to remain in the flow and follow the divine current.

The golden streaks woven into the blue river emphasize that the divine presence runs through the journey. Even when the clouds obscure the ultimate destination, the gold confirms that the path itself is consecrated by God’s presence.

The Currency of Grace

The golden raindrops symbolize grace and reward as an artistic image of trust in God’s generosity. Hebrews 11 includes both remarkable deliverances and believers who suffered, and verse 39 says they had not yet received the promise. The rain therefore does not guarantee continuous material provision, clarity or visible confirmation for every faithful seeker.

This design is a measure of our spiritual focus. Are we merely hoping God exists, or are we actively, diligently, and earnestly seeking the Rewarder today?