There’s things that come on the scene from time to time that people (usually teenagers) latch onto and cause them to gain immediate popularity. We all know that this time next year “it” will be forgotten, but for now, you’re trying to get it. There’s someone who’s wanting it for a birthday or Christmas gift. I’m the type that gets hyperfocused on the mission. I’m going to find this! It’s not even about the item at this point. It’s finding it! It’s about the pursuit. 

“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬) The author here is desperate. You see, a deer panting for water is a serious condition. Their very life depends on it. When they are running to escape a predator, they can use up to 80% of their water reservoir. If the deer is going to survive, it must find a water source. Who or what is your source that sustains you? What does your very soul have to have to make it? Who or what you are in pursuit of makes a huge impact on how your life situations will turn out. 

“O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭63‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT)‬‬ Again, the author is in a desperate place and craving the living water only The Lord can offer. God wants us to pursue Him. Think about it, He pursues us and we’re created in His very image. We’re designed to imitate Him. He made it that way. He wants to be our spiritual “thirst quencher”. On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (‭‭John‬ ‭7‬:‭37‬-‭38‬ ‭NLT‬‬) There’s no need to look for refreshment anywhere else. You can buy the new house, the new car or take that vacation. There’s nothing wrong with those things but they’re not going to sustain you. These created things were never meant to bring real life. The newness wears off. The fun ends. Jesus is forever. If you’re going to chase after something, let it be Him. 

Don’t kid yourself. You’re pursuing something at all times. Sometimes it’s as simple as caffeine to get you going. But we are all in pursuit at all times. Shouldn’t we want to pursue The very One who already has our life plan figured out? Don’t we want the peace and safety of having The King of Kings in the forefront of our minds at all times? There’s wonderful promises that He offers His children that can never be taken away. Even that relationship that you just knew would make you happy can fail. “Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬) This pretty much sums it up. Take a good look at yourself and determine what the true desire of your heart is. What are you in pursuit of? The Lord’s purpose is made clear to us in His Word. We are His heart’s desire. He will always be in pursuit of you.

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.