In the message “The Cry of Our Heart” we saw how the Psalm writer longed to be close to God; “my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God” (Psalm 84:2). The writer knew his heart would only be satisfied by being in the presence of God; but unfortunately, not many of the children of Israel shared this same understanding.
The Israelites continually rebelled and failed to devote their hearts to God. They sought pleasure and security in the world, and turned to worship idols and false gods. And though God sent many messengers to call His children home, they refused to change. Finally, God allowed the armies of Babylon to destroy the temple and lead the people into seventy years of captivity. But even in this most severe discipline, God demonstrated His love and true desire for His Children to return Home.
Jeremiah 29:10-13
“‘I will come to you and fulfill My gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 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. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.'”
God’s plan has always been to give us hope and a future, to prosper us and keep us from harm, but His plan can never be separated from a life devoted to Him. There is no hope – no future or security – apart from resting in His arms. And the only lasting prosperity and peace comes as we walk in step with His Spirit. Why do we not trust Him to fully guide our path? And why do we seek His plan for our life without bothering to first seek Him?!
God’s plan is for us to be restored to Him and glorify His name as we love Him with all our heart. All other plans regarding the specific circumstances of our existence flow out of His plan for a loving relationship filled with worship; “seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). Seek Him first!
Yes, He has promised a glorious future – not necessarily a future free of trouble, but a future filled with “the peace of God which transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7), a future where we can learn real prosperity by “being content in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:12). But this future can only be had by those who seek Him with all their heart.
Let’s allow God to be the all-consuming top priority of our life. Let’s diligently seek Him in times of quiet as well as in the midst of the endless multitude of daily activities. And let’s be filled with hope and encouraged by His promise that as we faithfully seek Him with all our heart, He will be found!
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
**** Reading Plan ****
Feb 12 Exodus 34:1-35:9; Matthew 27:15-34; Psalm 33:12-22; Proverbs 9:1-6
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