Inner Turmoil

I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.

~`Romans 7:15 NLT

Do you ever feel as though you are chasing after God? In reality, we are pursued by God.

Does Romans 7:15 sound familiar? It’s a relief to know that Paul felt the same inner turmoil that we do, doing things that he hated rather than what he knew would please God. The fight against our flesh and temptation is real. And reality remains that constant perfection lies beyond our grasp.

All Have Sinned

Sin is a part of the human condition. Apart from Jesus Himself, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Roman’s 3:23). In the original language, “all” means everyone. God remembers how we are made, but in His compassion, He sent Jesus to be perfection for us.

Pursued by God

The Word says, “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT). Notice it doesn’t say He is searching for those who never make mistakes, are the smartest, best looking, or make the most money. God is not searching for perfect people, or He would never find us.  If this were the case, He would pass us right over. God is looking for us simply because we love Him and He loves us.

We may look at our messy lives and feel unworthy to approach God. But He does not accept us begrudgingly. Before we were conceived, even before He created the world, He knew us and loved us. He knew the mistakes we would make, and He still chose us (John 15:16, Ephesians 1:4). A relationship with Him was always His idea.

Redeemed and Forgiven

We have no need to cower before God because our slate has been wiped clean by the blood of the Lamb. This is His blood, shed to redeem us. He not only forgives us, but He also forgets our sins. It is as if we went back in time, and they never happened.

God never tires in His forgiveness or considers the thought of giving up on us because His love is eternal. God is here for the long haul. He will be loving us beyond our final breath.

He Loved Us First

Even now, the reason we call out to God is because He called out to us first. How marvelous it is to consider that God pursues us. Speak it aloud so your ears can hear it. Say, “I am being pursued by God.”

Give Your All to God

So, right here in this very minute—right here in this messy life we find ourselves living–by the grace of God, we can approach His throne of grace.

Run to Him. Bring your hopes and dreams, successes and failures, and strengths and weaknesses. Bring it all and thank Him for the blood of Jesus that covers every flaw.

What are some ways you can thank God for pursuing you with His love?

Father God, when failure and discouragement come knocking at my door, remind me that Your compassionate love remembers how I am made. You pursued me and found me in the darkness because it was my heart You were seeking, not my perfection. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2023: Pursued by God: Julie Lilly: All Rights Reserved