The Chase

“Of course God does not consider you hopeless. If He did, He would not be moving you to seek Him (and He obviously is)…Continue seeking Him with seriousness. Unless He wanted you, you would not be wanting Him.”

C.S. Lewis

Playing chase during recess was one of my favorite games on the playground. Someone would be “it” and they’d chase everyone else. If you’re caught then you become the chaser. I loved the thrill of being pursued and chased by other boys and girls.

Women love to be pursued by their man. To be sought after makes you feel special. It says you are wanted and valuable. On the playground called life, God is out to capture as many hearts as He can. He’s chasing after each of ours, wanting to capture our devotion, attention and affection.

My current favorite song is “Chasing You” by Bethel Music. Here are the chorus lyrics:

“I’m chasing You

With all my love

Captivated, I just can’t get enough

I’ll spend my days

Running after Your heart

Your heart, Your heart, whoa.”

Forty-three years ago, Jesus caught me. He grabbed a hold of my heart and I’ve never been the same. Jesus says in John 15:16: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you…” God started the chase game, but now I’m the one running after Him. I can’t get enough of Him and I will spend the rest of my days chasing Him.

Ruth’s devotion to her deceased spouse’s mother, Naomi, in Ruth 1:16b challenges me in my devotion with God. “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” I want to chase after God and go wherever He goes. Where Jesus is, I want to be. I long to be one of His closest followers, not lagging behind or being distracted by the cares of life.

If not stoked, embers in a fire can grow dim. Likewise my love and passion for God can wane and grow cold. I stir up and tend to the fire within my heart by spending time with the Lord, reading His Word, praying, soaking, and sitting still listening to His voice. I frequently pray, “Lord, cause me to fall more madly in love with You.”

God lets me catch Him and discover more of His heart; His likes and dislikes. I remember when I first met my husband John, how we wanted to spend every waking moment together. You spend time with those you love. We’d attempt to study in the University of Arizona’s student union, but ended up asking each other a bazillion and one questions. We had to get to know one another.  I have to know what makes God’s heart beat.

Some of you reading this may realize for the first time the chase is on with you and God. You see how God is arranging your life to cause you to meet other followers of Jesus Christ. You feel like you’re being pursued by God with His intent being to get a hold of your heart. Stop running and let Him catch you; then begin chasing after Him.

God is after your heart. The chase is on!

“You were made to love God and be loved by Him.”

Fenelon

Relevant Reflections:

1. In what ways has God shown you He’s pursuing you?

2. How can you prove your devotion to God?

3. Name one thing you will do this week to stoke your fire of love for God.

#devotion #runningafterGod #pursued #capturinghearts #thechase #stokingyourfireoflove #passionforGod