When I graduated from high school & college, I was showered with cards from family friends and relatives. Inscribed on these cards were all the typical sayings, “Follow your dreams,” or “Reach for the stars!” Graduation speeches are full of encouragement to pursue your dreams because YOU will accomplish great things.
We pursue a number of things in our lives. As children, we chase after a toy or video we really want. In middle and high school, we pursue good grades, relationships, iPods, etc. We might pursue excellence in our talents and abilities like playing a sport or a musical instrument. We spend money, time, and sometimes even sacrifice relationships to get what we want. This doesn’t stop when we graduate from high school. In college we dedicate hours of our lives toward a degree. Afterwards we pursue success in our jobs, newer cars…and the list goes on.
And while all these things are good, there is Someone far greater we need to pursue. So often things take our focus away from the one and only thing that can bring true satisfaction. I know, I know, you’re about to say, “I’ve heard this a million times before! I even know the “church” answer to give – we should pursue God.” And you’re right – we should! But do you? Honestly? I have to admit, many times I don’t. I may sacrifice my time for a favorite activity, but do I spend just as much time (if not more) with God every day? Stop right now and search your heart. Is your relationship with God something you pursue? Or is it just a habit, a duty, or nonexistent altogether?
The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer really challenged me in this area of my life. In his book Tozer focuses on Psalm 63:8, “My soul follows hard after thee: thy right hand upholds me.” He goes on to say that our very deepest longings are filled by God and God alone. So, where does this desire for God come from? Ultimately it begins with God. He has put a longing deep in our hearts for him. His Spirit moves in our lives when we trust in Jesus to restore our relationship with God, and we respond. We “follow hard” after God, because we know he is all that matters in life. We can hold on to the things of this world loosely because we have God who “satisfies your desires with good things” (Psalm 103:5). Whatever comes our way, whatever loss we may face, we’re still ok because we have Jesus.
You may not know what job, what major, or even what college to pursue, but all those things are small and insignificant compared to the decision you’re about to make. I want to challenge you, beginning right now, to pursue Jesus with everything. I guarantee you won’t regret it!
So, what are you going to pursue?
