Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

In our walk of faith, it’s easy to assume that our pursuit of God begins with us, but Scripture poignantly reminds us that our journey starts with God Himself. As we delve into the enlightening words of John 6:44-51, we learn that “No man can come to Jesus except the Father draw him.” This profound truth unfolds a beautiful paradox: while we are called to pursue God, it is God who initiates that pursuit. Our very desire to know Christ does not stem from our own merit; rather, it originates from God’s drawing us to Him.
This may sound contradictory, yet it is a reassuring truth—while we strive and chase after God, we are held securely in His hands as followers of Christ. The tension between our earning and His grace invites an invitation for deeper exploration. We are not mere passive recipients; we are active participants in our spiritual journey. Responding to God’s calling is essential; we must engage in our pursuit of Him that leads to transformation and life change.
In Psalm 42:1-2, we hear the heart of someone deeply yearning for God: “As a deer pants for water, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God.” This metaphor portrays a visceral longing—a deep, instinctual desire for connection with our Creator. To pursue God is to nurture that longing, allowing our hearts to echo the divine thirst that calls us deeper into relationship with Him.
Yet, what happens when we neglect this hunger? Complacency slips in, and suddenly we settle for a lifeless religion, choosing the safe, comfortable path the world often offers. Today’s society often promotes satisfaction in the stagnant—settling for less than what God has in store for us. However, complacency is not merely a harmless state; it is the enemy of our spiritual growth.
Our lives require acute desire, an insatiable longing for the presence of Christ. Psalms 40:21-22 reminds us of the necessity of this deep yearning: “Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; let such as love Your salvation say continually, ‘The Lord be magnified!’” The manifestation of Christ in our lives hinges on our desire to seek Him and show that we truly want Him.
So, where do we find ourselves today in this pursuit? Are we feeling complacent in our walk with God or are we passionately chasing after Him? It might be time to ask ourselves: what do we need to change to cultivate a deeper hunger leading us toward His presence?
Let’s embark on this transformative journey together—the journey of drawing closer to God, nurturing that divine desire, and relinquishing the comfortable complacency that can choke our spiritual growth. God is ready to meet us in our hunger; how long will it take us to desire Him back? Let’s commit to actively pursuing the One who first pursued us, making our lives a testament to the extraordinary love and grace we have received.
As we pursue God, let us always remember that our pursuit begins with Him, and our hearts will never grow weary when we seek the living God.