Seeking God

It's built into our beings to long for God, our Father. Often we don't realize for years that He is what we're looking for. We think we're looking for satisfying relationships, jobs, success. What we're really seeking is the heart of God.

For the past couple of months I've been reading a Psalm per day. It's amazing how God works to tie things together. This morning I was praying and seeking Him, and was reminded of Jesus' words, "you are not far from the kingdom of God." I thought - that's what I really want, is to walk daily in the kingdom of God. Looking up the phrase in searchgodsword.org, I realized it's part of Mark 12 (same chapter as my life verse!). Here's what I read:

One of the teachers of the law came and found them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of the commandments, which is the most important?" "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."

"Well said, Teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."

When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." (Mark 12:28-34)

To be near the kingdom of God - what could be better? So I am reminded that I am to love HIM with all I've got, seeking Him continually, loving my neighbor more than myself. Not much self focus there, is there? My love focus is to be upward and outward bound, not self-wrapped.

In fact, this dovetails beautifully with today's Psalm: May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. (Ps 67:1-2). The psalmist prayed for God's blessing and the shining of His face upon him SO THAT God's ways would be known on earth and salvation known among all nations. Sounds a lot like being near the kingdom of God, doesn't it. What an awesome God we serve!