Day 3 - Chasing Jesus
Author: Savannah Brouwer
Recently I found myself running from the Lord. I would fill every spare second with some kind of noise or media so I wouldn’t have to confront the fact that I had been trying to hide my heart from God. I was terrified that if I finally took a second to listen to Him, He would tell me how disappointed He was. I think a small part of me also believed that if I gave God the chance to speak, I would hear that He didn’t love me anymore and that I had neglected Him for so long I was no longer worthy to be called His daughter. This was a lie; I can’t prove myself unworthy because I never was. Even though God has always known how dreadfully unworthy I am, He always chases after me. He will stop at nothing to track down my heart and pull me back to Him.
Psalm 139: 7-10 demonstrates the reckless abandon God pursues us with: Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. (NIV) No matter what we do or where we go, God will leave the 99 to chase after us, without any hesitation or even a second thought. With a God as good and loving as that, how can we not want to chase after Him, too? Shouldn’t we honor His pursuit by using every breath to grow closer with Him and glorify His name?
There are so many ways that we can chase after God. Maybe this year you can chase after God by getting up 20 minutes early and getting in the Word, even when the snooze button is so tempting. Beyond that, as much time as we spend reading and asking, let us spend just as much time listening. This could look like blocking out half an hour everyday to just be still and know that He is Lord. If you know that you won’t be able to stay focused just sitting, I understand. I have found that taking technology free walks with the Lord is when I can hear Him best. If you can’t block out time during the day, try turning down whatever music or podcast you listen to as you drive and welcome the Lord into your daily commute.
I know I have a million excuses on file for when I don’t make God a priority, but it is as simple as this: if our God, the creator of the universe, does everything to chase after us, why aren’t we always chasing after Him?
PRAY: Dear Lord, thank you so much for always chasing after me, even though I am so unworthy of Your love. I am so sorry for all the times I have neglected You or not made You my priority. God, I ask that You help me to be consistent in my pursuit of You. It is my prayer that all my days are used to know You better and glorify Your name.