EARNESTLY SEEK HIM

You know in life there are many things that you have everyday that you can do without. It might just be simple things...like coffee. I really enjoy coffee!! The thing is, I can live without it. I don't like to but I can. As of today it has been nine days since my last cup. I'm not giving it up for good though. It is one addiction in my life I can pick up again and not feel too bad about. Through out my life I have come to realize there are many different things you can do without for either a period of time or forever. There are even people that come and go...in and out...of our lives that at sometime we might think we can't survive without. But we can. Its just been in the last couple of years that I have finally figured out that there is One that I can't do without. Actually, I guess if you want to get technical, there are three...GOD, JESUS, and the HOLY SPIRIT. You can try to do without them but you won't be happy if you do.

Everyday you need to realize that there is One person that the real you...your soul...longs for more than anyone else. The only One that can fulfill every need that you have. Psalm 63 is a great Psalm. For me, the first verse accurately describes what I feel many times.

Psalm 63
1 O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.

Sometimes you just feel like you're alone. You've been out in the world doing what you do every day and your mind and body, but most of all your inner being, just needs rest. You are weary, people and things are after you constantly. You need more than any person or even any "thing" can give you. You need GOD! Every part of you longs for HIM to come and fill you with strength. Your body, soul, and mind just can't get enough of HIM. It's a longing like you have never felt before and you realize that it is for GOD!! When you reach that point and do what it says, "earnestly seek HIM", you will find what you need. You will no longer be out there on your own. HE will fill your soul, your body, and your mind with everything that you need. HE will "fill you up" with all of the good things that you need! You will soon find that you just can't get enough of GOD!

I like the way the Message Bible says it. You notice David was in the wilderness when he wrote it. Sometimes when we're out doing what we do everyday, it seems as if it is a wilderness we are in.

A David Psalm,
When He Was out in the Judean Wilderness
1 God—you're my God! I can't get enough of you!
I've worked up such hunger and thirst for God,
traveling across dry and weary deserts.

2-4 So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open,
drinking in your strength and glory.
In your generous love I am really living at last!
My lips brim praises like fountains.
I bless you every time I take a breath;
My arms wave like banners of praise to you.

5-8 I eat my fill of prime rib and gravy;
I smack my lips. It's time to shout praises!
If I'm sleepless at midnight,
I spend the hours in grateful reflection.
Because you've always stood up for me,
I'm free to run and play.
I hold on to you for dear life,
and you hold me steady as a post.

9-11 Those who are out to get me are marked for doom,
marked for death, bound for hell.
They'll die violent deaths;
jackals will tear them limb from limb.
But the king is glad in God;
his true friends spread the joy,
While small-minded gossips
are gagged for good.

I like verse 8 where it says, I hold onto you for dear life...I think that's a feeling everybody knows. As long as you know GOD as your Father you can do that. In return HE holds you up, "steady as a post'.

I also think it is important that we Praise HIM for being there for us. Praise Him for everything HE does for us daily. Praise HIM just for giving us life.

And, if you don't know GOD as your Father, JESUS as your Savior and have the HOLY SPIRIT living inside you, you can. You can have peace like you have never known before. Just say a simple prayer and ask JESUS to forgive you of your sins. To come and live inside you and help you to live for HIM on a daily basis. Then believe that HE has forgiven you. Thank HIM for it. Your life will never be the same. And, you will have the best Christmas that you have ever had!!