« New England in the Fall | Home | The Office, the Wedding, and the Power of the Internet »
Sunday Inspiration from The High Calling
By Mark D. Roberts | Sunday, October 11, 2009
Desiring God Most of All
Whom have I in heaven but you?
I desire you more than anything on earth.
This verse from Psalm 73 is one of the most beloved of all the psalms. It expresses the psalmist’s recognition of God’s unique value, as well as a passionate desire for God. Asaph, the author of Psalm 73, delights in God more than in anything on earth.
To be honest, I couldn’t always say that. There have been times in my life when I truly yearned for God more than for anything else. But my desires are generally mixed. I want God, and also what God provides: peace, health, significance, love. I’m not suggesting that it’s wrong to long for such things. Indeed, they are good gifts from the Lord. But I wish I could more frequently echo Asaph’s confession, “Lord, I desire you most of all!”
Where does such a passion for God come from? Yes, it surely reflects the truth about God as revealed in Scripture. The more we see God as he really is, the more we will yearn for him. But a fervent desire for God comes, not just from knowing about God in truth, but also from knowing him personally and intimately. The more we experience God as he is, the more we will long for his presence.
And how do we experience God? Through prayer. Through reflecting upon his Word. Through offering him worship and praise. Through the presence of his Spirit both in our hearts and in the fellowship of his people. Through serving him by caring for others. Through paying attention to the manifold but easily overlooked ways God makes himself known to us. And so many other ways.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: How do you experience God’s presence in your life? What increases your desire for God? What competes with God for your ultimate desire?
PRAYER: O Lord, without hesitation I can answer the first question of this verse. I have no one else in heaven but you. No other god vies for my worship. You, and you alone are God, the creator of heaven and earth. You alone are my Savior. You alone are my Lord.
There are times when I desire you more than anything else on earth. In these times I want to know you more deeply, to worship you more fully, to enjoy your presence more completely, and to serve you more faithfully. Yet often I find my desires are divided. I want you, and others things as well. But the more I know you, the more I experience you, the more I desire you above all else.
Nothing else in all creation satisfies my soul the way you do. Thanks, dear Lord, for making yourself known to me. Amen.
_________________________________________________
Would you like to receive a Daily Reflection like this one in your email inbox each morning?
Here’s how . . . .
This devotional comes from The High Calling of Our Daily Work (www.thehighcalling.org), a wonderful website about work and God. You can read my Daily Reflections there, or sign up to have them sent to your email inbox each day. This website contains lots of encouragement for people who are trying to live out their faith in the workplace.
Topics: Sunday Inspiration |
One Response to “Sunday Inspiration from The High Calling”
Comments
Thanks for your willingness to make a comment. Note: I do not moderate comments before they are posted, though they are automatically screened for profanities, spam, etc., and sometimes the screening program holds comments for moderation even though they're not offensive. I encourage open dialogue and serious disagreement, and am always willing to learn from my mistakes. I will not delete comments unless they are extraordinarily rude or irrelevant to the topic at hand. You do need to login in order to make a comment, because this cuts down on spam. You are free to use a nickname if you wish. Finally, I will eventually read all comments, but I don't have the time to respond to them on a consistent basis because I've got a few other demands on my time, like my "day job," my family, sleep, etc.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
October 12th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Thanks Rev. Roberts & Readers, We loved your last 3 posts-nature photos, Psalm 73 & wedding video (real-life) & TV take off of wedding video. People need & love the lighthearted posts for the times we’re in now. Thanks again for such an uplifting inspiring website. Here’s hoping answers to prayers for believers & your readers everywhere!! Tell your family & children Hello & hope they are enjoying Texas J & family