passion

We must never become people who worship with our lips, but have hearts which are far from God (Isaiah 29:13). We need to be careful not to stray from the path of devoted love to become entangled in the weeds and thorns of selfish convenience.

But how can we guard against such wandering? How can we recognize when we are beginning to stray? And how can we return to the place we truly desire?

The answer to these questions will always be found in a deep and passionate love! Our relationship with God is not based on an exercise of our intellect, but on a transformation of our heart. Our relationship began with a work of the Spirit as our heart became His. It must now continue as we walk so closely that our only desire is to give Him ALL our heart - to give Him what is already His.

After years of successful rule, David's kingdom was now in total rebellion. His son, Absalom, was attempting to become the new king and had forced David to flee into the desert. With his life's work falling apart, and far from his home and place of worship, David turned to God and gave us a clear picture of Godly passion.

Psalm 63:1-4

"O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and Your glory. Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands."

Although it may be difficult to maintain this level of passion every moment of the day, this IS the relationship to which we have been called. This is worship! We must realize that this world is a "dry and weary land" when compared to walking in His presence. We must long for God's love more than life itself and seek to glorify Him in all we do.

If this type of relationship sounds foreign - maybe even a little radical - then I invite you to "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8). He will pour out His blessings on those who step out in faith and truly give Him their heart. If you already understand this relationship but realize the passion has faded, then I boldly exhort you to return. Return to what you know will truly satisfy - to what you know is eternal, imperishable. Let's all return to the place of true worship. Let's all draw near and worship with a heart full of passion. 

-steve troxel