The Pursuit of His Presence

As I entered into my time with the Lord tonight, I had trouble giving Him my full attention. I hear kids playing outside and it's distracting. I had a very eventful day that's reeling through my mind. There's many changes coming in my future and that too is fighting for my attention. My mind is wondering about God's plans and I'm feeling an excitement about what He's about to do!

There are so many things that run through our minds and draw us away from focusing on Jesus. I'm not even talking about sin or evil thoughts... just life, causing diversions in our mind from what's most important. Then as if all of that isn't distracting enough, I feel the pressure to pump out a devotion before running out the door and heading to a women's meeting.

All these important things, but nothing...I repeat NOTHING is as important than the time we spend with Jesus. It's not about just showing up and spending x amount of time "seeking Him" while our mind is elsewhere. It's about pushing all the other thoughts aside, the things we're excited about and the painful ones... pushing through the crowd of emotions and diversions until we can see Him clearly again.

I'd love to say that every night I run into my room and fall into His presence. Often that is the case, but I'm still human and I have nights like this, when it's discipline not passion that leads me to His presence. It can't be rushed, it's a conscious decision that we must make to give Him first place in our lives and in our thoughts. There's nothing and no one more important.

Study, praise, worship and pray... lay all of those cares at His feet... then give Him your undivided attention. You may not start out feeling much passion, but as your focus changes and you surrender your thoughts and exchange them for adoration of His beauty, love and grace... everything else fades into the background!! He's the Great I am... He's my everything!!!

Distraction? Right now... even as I write...I feel the heaviness of His presence that rests upon me like a warm blanket. Time with Him is never wasted and always worth what it takes to get there! Become relentless in your pursuit of His presence!

Deuteronomy 4:29 (NLT) But from there you will search again for the Lord your God. And if you search for Him with all your heart and soul, you will find Him.

Matthew 6:33 (NLT) Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.

Proverbs 8:17-19 (TPT) I will show my love to those who passionately love me. For they will search and search continually until they find me. Unending wealth and glory come to those who discover where I dwell. The riches of righteousness and a long, satisfying life will be given to them. What I impart has greater worth than gold and treasure, and the increase I bring benefits more than a windfall of income.

1 Chronicles 16:11 (ESV) Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!