Francis Thompson was a poet in
the 1800's and was famous for a piece he wrote entitled, "The Hound of Heaven".
And in this poem, he talked about how man, because he is defiant and lost, runs
from God. Or, at least thinks he can run from God. Thinking he can run and find
contentment and satisfaction elsewhere.
But, in this particular piece
of poetry, man soon realizes that God, who the poet personifies as the Hound of
Heaven, never once stops chasing him. No matter where he ran or what he did.
He realizes that the 'Hound of Heaven' never gives up His pursuit.
When it comes to you, the one
He fashioned and created for Himself, you must know that God will do whatever it
takes to have a relationship with you. He loves you just that
much.
There are so many who feel as
if God has forgotten them. I've even heard many question His unfailing love for
them because they say they can't "feel" His Presence in a tangible way. Our
relationship with God can not be based on ever-changing feelings and emotions.
Our relationship with God must be based on faith. Faith in what He says about
you in His word. And, one thing He promises is that He will never leave you nor
forsake you.
Be strong and of good
courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One
who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6
NKJV)
This is the truth God wants
you to rest in this day. The truth that He will never leave you nor forsake you.
As a matter of fact, He is absolutely relentless in His pursuit of
you.
When we were utterly, helpless
sinners, Christ died for us. Our friendship/relationship with God was restored
through the death of His Son. We are no longer deemed enemies of God because of
His shed blood.
You have a Father that is
always willing to do whatever it takes to have a relationship with
you.
If it meant sending his only
son to a world that did not receive Him. Then God was willing to do it. You are
so worth it to Him. Even if it meant sending Him to die with much suffering and
shame. Then whatever it takes. He did it for you. He did, and will do, whatever
it takes so that you can be with Him.
I am thankful for a Heavenly
Father that never stopped, nor will He ever stop, pursuing me.
Even when we become consumed
with life. Consumed with ourselves. He remains consumed with us. We are
inscribed or engraved on the palm of His hands. You, oh beautiful one, are
always on His mind. Even in those difficult moments where the cares and busyness
of life consume you. God wants us to remember that, even those moments, His
pursuit has not ended. He is right there with you.
When you go through deep
waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will
not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned
up; the flames will not consume you. (Isaiah 43:2 NLT)
In the bible, we can read the
story of Job. Job lost everything he owned. Family, house, livestock, and
servants. And, if that wasn't enough, he broke out with painful boils all over
His body. Yet, after His time of severe testing, Job was able to say the
following;
I had only heard about you
before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. (Job 42:5
NLT).
God wants you to see Him. In
this very moment. In the midst of whatever you might be going
through.
Job saw God for himself in the
midst of the most difficult circumstances. He was revealed to Job in a whole new
way during his season of testing and trial. Ask God to open your eyes in the
midst of whatever you may be facing right now, so that you can see Him. Ask Him
to powerfully reveal Himself to you. Don't forget that He is always willing to
do whatever it takes when it comes to you. He will do whatever it takes in order
to reveal and draw you to Himself.
Prayer: Father, open the
eyes of my heart so that I can see you clearly in the midst of my circumstances.
Allow me to experience you in a fresh, new way. Help me to be mindful that you
are always present and your love for me is unending.
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