Seek God Passionately

Ps Mitch Varlow - INChurch Sydney

As Christians, I believe we each have the desire to live a victorious life in God. We understand we are called to be more than overcomers, to live in the victory Christ has for us, and to walk in God’s plan and purpose.

We cannot, however, be unaware that we are opposed in that pursuit. Paul speaks in Ephesians 6 about how we fight not against flesh and blood but rather against the principalities of this evil world. In many places across the world, there is overt spiritual oppression and opposition. In the Western world, though, we face a more subtle opposition, the spirit of apathy. We can grow so comfortable in our faith, so casual, guided more by our feelings than our desire. This is something we must actively push against. We can’t afford to be Christians who are simply “lukewarm” in our faith… Jesus said in Revelation 3:16 that if we are lukewarm, He would spit us out!

John Piper said, “If you don’t feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great.”

We need to stir up within us a deep desire to pursue God, to seek Him passionately. It is so easy for us to fill ourselves with the “junk” of the world instead of pursuing that which truly satisfies. This isn’t about being caught up in sinful things… maybe it’s small distractions, which in and of themselves may be harmless, but added up, they divert us from our main pursuit, Jesus! Paul encourages us, “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth…” (Colossians 3:2)

Psalm 107:9 says “He satisfies the longing soul…”

Seeking God passionately is a choice… not simply a one-off choice, but a daily pursuit. Is your soul longing for Him? Or are you stuffed full of the emptiness of the world?

Reflect
So how do we put this into practice?

Jesus makes it plain for us in Luke 9:23 if we are to follow Him: “You must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”

So, what can you give up? What can you lay aside? Instead of pursuing the things of this world, determine to pursue the things of God. And, as Jesus encourages us, do this daily… follow Him. Pursue Him with all you are.

Prayer
Lord, help me to recognise when I’ve been distracted from pursuing you with all I am. Help me to identify the things that I have allowed to fill me up rather than being filled with you. I choose to pursue you with ALL that I am. Lord, you are all I need.