REFILLED

One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek Him in His temple.                              

Psalm 27:4 (NIV)

I used to believe that one encounter with Jesus would be sufficient to keep me on fire for Him all the days of my life. Now let me be clear: the problem isn’t with Jesus; it’s with me, namely my heart, because it's prone to wander. I wish my heart wasn’t naturally prone to wonder and delight, but sadly, it wanders and forgets God. Now, the second most repeated commandment is to remember, so this is a universal problem. Throughout human history, people start following God; they start with wonder, and then over time, they begin to wander away from Him. I used to think something was wrong with my faith because of my wandering heart. This was amplified by the truth that most people in the church don’t air out their dirty laundry, so it seemed like people had their hearts in order, and I was the broken one. Then, I realized this is a struggle for everyone. I knew that I could pretend that I'm great or accept the reality that one second, I'm on fire for God, and then the next I forget all about Him; this is especially problematic as a pastor.

Remember the book Where’s Waldo? I used to love that book growing up. You always knew Waldo was there, but sometimes he was difficult to find. Why? Because there is so much activity and movement on that page. I kept looking even when it seemed he wasn’t there because I knew I would find him if I kept seeking him. Sometimes, my faith feels a little like the Where’s Waldo book. Somedays, it's easy to find God as I seek Him; other times, it seems like He isn’t there. Maybe it’s because of all the activity and movement in my heart and mind. We can’t dwell with God until we seek Him. Each day, we are called to seek God so that we can dwell and live with Him. One day, this won’t be the case when we are in heaven. Our hearts will see Jesus, and we will be made new without any distractions. Until then, keep pressing in and keep seeking Jesus. Your heart will be overjoyed each morning you find Him. It may take some time, but He’s with you and for you!

APPLICATION: Today, focus on remembering God is with you in each moment!

PRAYER: Ask the Spirit to give you a hunger and passion to seek Him. If you are on fire, ask Him to fan the flame in your heart. Ask Him to awaken a new love and commitment if you are in a dry spot.

“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)

• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
 

“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)

• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
 

“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)

• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
 

“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)

• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
 

“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)

• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
 

“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)

• Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?