Not Just Relief

Thursday, April 18, 2024

  Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day:  1 Corinthians 1:18

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Memory verse: Romans 8:32 ►He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?  

Today's reading: 2 SAMUEL 6-8 LUKE 15:1-10

Not Just Relief

Relief-Something that alleviates pain, distress, or anxiety

We live in such a fast world that much of the time some of us just need a break-we need relief. There is a popular song that sadly says, "I never talk to God until I need a favor, and God, I need a favor."

Is this how God wants us to live? Of course not, but again, sadly, this is how many live. We live so furiously that we don't cry out to God on good days-only the bad ones.

But, having said this, relief is one of the best feelings we feel in this life. But relief wears off. It is temporary. That great sigh when we get good news from the tax preparer-or better-when we get good news from the doctor-great sigh of relief from a deep feeling of temporary flying without wings-leaves us looking for the next relief(sort of like a drug addict?)

Jesus brings great relief, yes, in answering our prayers the way we want but he is ultimately more. He is complete joy and satisfaction.

How do we get to this-joy and complete satisfaction? With all the trials and pain of this life, it is hard for some to imagine.

Matthew 6:33-Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added.

I sound like a loop in a recording studio-over and over-"Seek first...".

Essential to our realizing everything God has for us is consistent seeking.

This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith. (1 John 5:3–4)

This is our love for God-a life of obedience-he has given us the faith that overcomes the world. It is time to open that package of faith and seek. It takes work-a true labor in love-a true labor in Christ-a true life of lasting satisfaction and His joy in us. Find God's heart for you-dig in and find it...

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Holy and loving God, I confess I leave You out until I need relief. Forgive me and fill me with the urgency to seek You and find Your heart for me.

Gentle and glorious Father,

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen