What Do You Hunger For? “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jer. 29:13 When we think about King David, different images come to mind. Some remember David as a shepherd boy, dedicated for service. Others remember David as a giant-killing warrior who bravely saved a nation from inevitable destruction. Some remember David as a lustful man who slept with another man’s wife and then covered his sin with a murderous act—or a weak father who neglected to discipline his children. Many think of David as a great poet, composer, or musician. According to the Bible, God remembers David most as Israel’s greatest king, the one whose name would be forever linked with the Messiah—the “Son of David” (Matthew 1:1). In Acts 13:22, Paul identifies God’s testimony regarding David: “After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: ‘I have found David, Son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything that I want him to do.’” David was chosen of God because he was a person of integrity and character. God could see humility and might within the framework of this obscure peasant boy. It was this character and poise that allowed David to volunteer to fight Goliath and conquer several nations. As David considered all of his accomplishments and his relationship with God, he provided his son Solomon this final advice, found in Chapters 28 and 29 of 1 Chronicles, “Acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts . . . If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.” I want God to know and remember me as a man after His heart, obviously not perfect, but fully committed to Him. Let’s take some time to consider the following: Am I seeking God today? “I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.” Prov. 8:17. Am I after God’s heart—not perfect, but wanting to understand His ways and His will in everything I do? “Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.” Psalm 119:27. Do I hunger for Him? “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matt. 5:6. Do I worship Him alone? “You must worship no other gods, but only the LORD, for he is a God who is passionate about his relationship with you.” Ex. 34:14 (NLT). Is He my greatest desire or am I filled with earthly ambitions and desires? “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matt. 6:33. These are the big questions in life. Not what car I will drive, or what phone I will buy, or even where I will live… If you’re like me, busyness often dictates how much time I take to ponder these questions. When God is first in our lives, though, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us and we submit to His teachings…and God works out the details. In Jeremiah 29:11, God tells his children, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I am very certain that the Creator of the Universe is quite capable of planning my life…certainly more capable than me. Our success in life is not dependent on our earthly possessions or achievements, but rather on our willingness to pursue God’s heart, to cultivate a meaningful relationship with the living God and join Him in His great mission. When we have an earthly perspective, we are easily devastated by earthly losses. When we understand that our true treasures are eternal, our joy is not dictated by our circumstances. Like Jeff, and like King David, our greatest joy will come from knowing our Heavenly Father and the hope that He has given us through His Son, Jesus Christ…even when our boat is sinking!
Posted on: Sun, 24 Nov 2013 07:25:04 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015