ODB: out of orbit
August 4, 2010
The closer you walk with God, the less room for anything to come between.
READ: Psalm 63
O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. —Psalm 63:1
Istill find it amazing that we can launch probes into deep space. But think of how wasteful it would be if on the way to Mars our probe got caught in the gravitational pull of a lesser, insignificant object. Beware! That might be happening in our lives.
When Jesus called His disciples to follow Him, He meant for them to begin a journey to passionately pursue Him. Followers of Christ have been launched into a trajectory that is defined by drawing closer and closer to Him. But in the process, we are often distracted and succumb to the gravitational pull of lesser, alluring things. When that happens, we cease our pursuit of Him and go into orbit around stuff that in the end is empty and unsatisfying.
Psalm 63 is the cure for lives stuck in orbit. David pursued God, knowing that He alone could satisfy his inner longings because His “lovingkindness is better than life” (v.3). The joy of God’s presence consumed every moment: “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches” (v.6). David understood that true joy and purpose come not in admiring God from a safe distance, but from chasing hard after Him.
Let’s get back on track and pursue an increasingly closer walk with God! —Joe Stowell
Source: Our Daily Bread
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I was recently reading about Jonah, a man who passionately ran, but away from God. As the story goes, Jonah was not able to run away from God at all. He ended up in the belly of a huge fish only for Him to realize that God was in control.
I’m always thankful when I remember that God is everywhere and in control. It helps me realize that in good times and tough times I’m still under His sovereign control and I really need to trust in Him. Though sometimes it scares me a bit that I’m watched all the time, I know that I can focus on Him and remember His word to help me flee from sin.
God desires for us to have a relationship with Him. He started the ball rolling by saying, “Follow me.” He gave us an opportunity to be His people, so let’s not take advantage on His grace and mercy. Rather, let us focus our eyes on the cross and persevere on in all situations for His glory alone.
Here is an article I wrote for YMI, do read it along with this devotional to supplement you with more learning points:
A Passionate Pursuit for the Savior
http://ymiblogging.org/2009/07/a-passionate-pursuit-for-the-savior/