The Psalm writer longed to be close to God - my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God Psalm 84:2. He knew his heart would only be satisfied by being in the presence of God; but not many of the children of Israel shared this same understanding.
The Israelites continually rebelled and failed to devote their hearts to God. They sought pleasure and security in the world and turned to worship idols and false gods. And though God sent many messengers to call His children home, they refused to change. Finally, God allowed the armies of Babylon to destroy the temple and lead the people into seventy years of captivity.
But even in this most severe discipline, God demonstrated His love and true desire for His Children to return Home - I will come to you and fulfill My gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart - Jeremiah 29:10-13
God's plan is for us to be restored to Him and glorify His name as we love Him with all our heart. All other plans regarding the specific circumstances of our existence flow out of His plan for a loving relationship filled with worship; as we get to "seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness..." Matthew 6:33
He has promised a glorious future - not necessarily a future free of trouble, but a future filled with "the peace of God which transcends all understanding" Philippians 4:7, a future where we can learn real prosperity by "being content in any and every situation" Philippians 4:12. This future can only be had by those who seek Him with all their heart.
Let's allow God to be the all-consuming top priority of our life. Let's diligently seek Him in times of quiet as well as in the midst of the endless multitude of daily activities. And let's be filled with hope and encouraged by His promise that as we faithfully seek Him with all our heart, He will be found!
- adapted from steve troxel
No comments:
Post a Comment