12/01/2019
What leads us to Church today, or perhaps to read this devotional message? Is it because we are suffering through a trial we can’t conquer alone, maybe a feeling of loneliness, or a sense of emptiness in our life that we need to quench? No? Then perhaps it is Advent, and the anticipated celebration of the coming Christ? Still you say no? Then just maybe you are in search of something you can’t quite put your finger on, but that you know exists, and is missing from your life, something good... the longing for a love that is much needed by your soul. Whatever the reason, God satisfies our hungry soul, and calls us.
“For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.”
Psalms 107:9 ESV
We are born with a desire for God, and it is a mysterious longing that we can’t explain. Out of fear, some attempt to stave it off, and yet they never fully find a release from its draw, but those who seek diligently after God, and yield to Him, find themselves redeemed by Jesus Christ His Son, joyous, and eternally lifted up.
“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”
Psalms 63:1 ESV
As for those who convince themselves that eventually they can solve their own problems, and find happiness and joy on their own, they are doomed to wander. Even though their soul knows of God, their mind convinces it to reject Him. These are the lost...
“For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord. In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, "There is no God."”
Psalms 10:3-4 ESV
So I ask again... “What leads you to Church today, or perhaps to read this devotional message?” Have you considered these questions yet? Have you paid any attention to that mysterious drawing of your soul to God, and has it begun to overcome your fear of the unknown... of Him? Well, be encouraged because God is your strength, and Jesus redeems you in His Father’s eyes. You are but a thought, and a word away from love, goodness, and eternity.
“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for placing the seed of faith in each of us, and leading us to water it with our belief in your mercy, grace, and the blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Thank you Lord for helping us to overcome our uncertainty regarding you, and to see your goodness and love where once we felt only fear. Thank you Holy Father for your provision, protection, and the prosperity of a life with you. Praised be your name always Merciful Father for you are our deepest joy, and most heartfelt love. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who calls, and draws us from the world to yourself. Great are you who leads us away from sin, and our tribulations, then opens our eyes to your mysterious ways through your Holy Word. Wonderful is your Son Jesus, who laid down His life, and picked it up again, to conquer sin and death, so that we would be redeemed, and made acceptable and pure to you. We leave behind our old selves in righteous transformation, and prostrate we worship you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Open us in this way to grasp you with our entirety, and know in completeness why we enter church, and read your Word, and about you.
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:12-13 ESV
Rich Forbes