My seven dogs love to be wherever I am.  If I let them, they would go everywhere with me in my car. They are forever watching to see what we are doing next or what I may want of them. Or, they are simply content to do nothing if that’s my agenda. Dogs just love being close to their master; that’s their main desire. My two cats, however, only show up when they feel like it or want something. The desire must be there.

As I thought about the difference between my canine and feline friends and their level of desire to be with me, I realized where my desire regarding God lies.

Am I like my dogs, whose sole desire is to be close to me at all times? Do I live to obey and simply enjoy walking with God by staying in step with His Spirit daily? Or, like my cats, do I only desire to be close to God when I feel like it, when I want something, when I want an answered prayer, or when I want His protection?

The psalmist penned these words concerning his desire about God:

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 

~Psalm 63:1 NIV

The psalmist sought, thirsted, and longed for God. But do we seek, thirst, and long for Him in this dry and weary spiritual land? Or are we so caught up in our daily lives that we only desire God’s closeness and companionship when we feel like it or want something?

How often do I reach for my Bible in comparison to reaching for the remote control or a novel? How often do I take the time to openly and sincerely praise God or lift up my voice in prayer for those in need instead of doing these things on the run? When was the last time I sat and discussed spiritual topics with a friend instead of catching up on the latest news events or what’s happening in the lives of others? Have I, I wondered, become more like my cats when it comes to my desire to walk with and always be close to the Lord? And have you?

These are questions we should consider as we plan and move on with our lives. The psalmists’ main desire was to seek, thirst for, and long for God. I pray that my main desire may be likewise.

Think of things that would enhance your life for a closer walk with God. 

Father God, forgive me when I allow the things of this world to rob me of my desire to be close to You. Motivate me to seek, thirst, and long after You above all things this day and every day. In Christ’s name, amen.

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: The Desire: Lynne Phipps: All Rights Reserved