If you look around, you’ll probably see a lot of activity in a lot of places. People have lives, agendas, and dreams, and it’s every man for himself in pursuit of them. Whether families, careers, sports, or followings, it seems like everyone is chasing something.

 

But how many are arriving? Pleasures and possessions only go so far. Before long, empty eyes reflect empty souls living empty lives.

 

“All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.” – Ecclesiastes 1:8-9

 

Is there an end to the madness? Indeed, there is.

 

God looked upon a world chasing its tail, a people floundering in failure, and poured out His love for His creation. He sent His one and only beloved and begotten Son to deny the pleasures the rest of us craved and pay the price for our foolishness. Every sin was laid upon that man nailed to that cross.

 

And now, for the one who believes, the only worthy pursuit is one of God—reckless abandon for the Savior who unashamedly loved us to death.

 

I wish I could say I wholeheartedly, unwaveringly pursue God. But the truth is, I am in constant need of God’s strength and grace to help me desire Him.

 

“Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name.” – Psalm 86:11

 

The world is a distracting place, and my heart is easily distractable—obviously a dangerous combination. So I am constantly coming back to my source of help.

 

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16

 

The Christian life is one of rigorous effort and strict discipline, which humanly speaking, is difficult to sustain. But God gave the gift of Himself to assist every step of the way.

 

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.– John 14:26

 

Only God can effect within man the desire to please Him.

 

“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.– Ezekiel 36:26

 

“I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” – Jeremiah 31:33

 

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” – Hebrews 11:6

 

And so the pursuit goes on.

 

Abby

Authored by Abby Bennett on January 11, 2024.