05/01/2020
Do you seek God, and follow after Jesus Christ like a runner who sweats and remains nearly out of breath as he runs to stay up with the others in a race, or do you simply run because you must? There are many things that motivate us to seek after God, so ask yourself what it is about finding Him that keeps you running when you are nearly out of breath, seeking when your legs grow weak, and Following after Him when most would faint, or give up from sheer exhaustion. The Church of Christ is full of runners, but what motivates each of them to run?
“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.”
Psalm 42:1 ESV
What is it that thrills a runner most about race day, is it the fanfare leading up to the race, the race itself, winning, or perhaps it is the notoriety received just for being known as a runner? Our desire for God, and Jesus, is as varied as a runner’s need to run. Whatever motivates us to follow God, it must be strong enough to keep us moving. If our need is centered on the race, then we need the other runners because without them there would be no race, there would be no fanfare surrounding the race, being first wouldn’t satisfy, participating would gain us no companionship, and no one else would give notice to a solitary participant, but for those who run out of a deep individual motivation such as sheer joy, a driving need, the wonderfully personal nature of running, or because they hear someone, or something (other than the starter’s gun) calling them to begin, then the simple act of running remains everything, and brings them to life... it quenches a thirst in them that no river can satisfy, it waters their very souls.
“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?”
Psalm 42:2 ESV
What is it that motivates you? The Church is so diverse, and each of us is motivated to be there by some unique calling. Some are there to lead, others to follow; some for friendship with saints, others to find themselves; some to know more about who God is, others to find themselves in Him; we are all so very different, and our faiths led by the need to drink from different wells, streams, ponds, and rivers, but all of them owned by God Himself. Have you taken the time to understand what it is about your own personal faith, and thirst, that draws you to Him most? Until we know what it is that our soul truly desires then how can we ever find satisfaction in knowing Him?
“My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?””
Psalm 42:3 ESV
Let’s look into ourselves today, and seek not only God, as the panting deer seeks water, but the reflection of our souls in those waters that we need so desperately to drink from, and let’s look for what motivates us to run our race of faith. Do we see Jesus there? What is it about His face, His voice, and His message that we recognize as our own... and that prompts us to run?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the tiny seed of faith you placed within each of us that causes us to desire you. Thank you for your voice that shouts to some during the race to “RUN!”, or during the daily trail run of others that beckons them to “Come!” Thank you for the unique nature of your individual children, and the personal way that each of us loves you. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you that calls to us, and that we seek after with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. Praised be your name for the races of faith, the quiet runs through the countryside, and the solitude we often find on city streets with you. Merciful are you Father who sent your Son Jesus to teach us to run in faith, and your Holy Spirit who coaches us, and hands us water during our run. We pant for you Father, and long to be with you every stride we take. Great are you who calls to us in encouragement, and who inspires us along your way. Hear our prayers Lord as we struggle to catch our breath, and limp on to make the finish line where we can fall into your arms. If we win the race, complete our run, or just gain peace and joy in the simple act of a country jog, we thank you for being with us, and your welcoming arms that await to embrace us. We love you for understanding who we are, and for leading us to an understanding of who you are, we long for you now, and forevermore. Father... you quench our thirst and give us strength, and you have made provision through Jesus Christ to lift us up when we fall. All glory is yours, and every step, no matter how diverse our way, is worth the effort that we find in it. Praised be your Holy Name Forever.
“These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival.”
Psalm 42:4 ESV
Rich Forbes