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My seven dogs love to be wherever I am. They would even go everywhere with me in my car if I would let them. They are forever watching to see what we are doing next, what I may want of them or are simply content to just do nothing if that’s my agenda. Dogs just love being close to their master, that’s their main desire. My two cats, however, only show up when they feel like it or want something.
As I was thinking about this difference between my canine and feline friends and the level of their desire to be with me, it made me consider where my desire in regard to God lays.
Am I like my dogs, whose sole desire is to be close to me, at all times? Do I live to obey, as well as simply enjoy walking with God by staying in step with his Spirit daily? Or, like my cats, do I only desire to be close to God when I feel like it, when I want something, like an answer to prayer or his protection?
The Psalmist penned these words, concerning his desire in regard to God: "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." (Psalm 63:1 NIV)
The Psalmist sought, thirsted and longed for God, but do I? Do we, as God’s people in this present day world, which has become a dry and weary land spiritually, seek, thirst and long for him too? Or are we so caught up in our daily lives that we only really desire God’s closeness and companionship when we feel like it or want something?
How often do I reach for my Bible in comparison to reaching for the remote control or a novel? How often do I take the time to openly and sincerely praise God or lift up my voice in prayer for those in need, instead of doing these things on the run? When was the last time I actively sat down and discussed spiritual topics with a friend instead of catching up on the latest news events or what’s happening in the lives of others? Have I, I wondered, become more like my cats when it comes to my desire to walk with and always be close to the Lord? Have you?
These are questions for us to consider this day as we make our plans and get on with our lives. The Psalmists’ main desire was to seek, thirst after and long for God. I pray that my main desire may be likewise. How about you?
Prayer: Father God, forgive me when I allow the things of this world to rob me of my desire to first and foremost be close to You. Motivate me to seek, thirst and long after You above all things this day and every day. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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