Press!
Hosea 6:3 (NLT)
Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.
Hosea 6:3 (CSB)
Let us strive to know the Lord. His appearance is as sure as the dawn. He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the land.
DEVOTIONAL
God is worth knowing. Prayer-on-the-run is ok, but making time to be present with Him, talk to Him, and dote on Him gets His attention. God wants us to want to know Him. He yearns for us to take the steps toward developing a deeper relationship with Him (James 4:5).
No matter where we are in our Christian journey, God wants us to go just a little further. He wants us to press.
The details of our situations are of little consequence to Him because His heart is focused on us (Romans 5:8). He knows when we’re distracted by other priorities and longs for us to notice and return to Him. He loves us despite our cravings for things that sour our minds and emotions and extends mercy that we can’t explain. In return, we take Him for granted. But, if we’d decide to be less self-centered and, instead recognize our limitations and need for Him, everything would change because “he shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6).
If we would make up our minds to be singular in thought and focus on building an authentic relationship with God, He’ll send rain. Not just a cool drizzle to refresh us when issues are deep and heavy, but seed-germinating, plant-sprouting, crop-developing rain. If we press, we’ll grow.
- So, when life hits us in the face and we’re thinking about pursuing other options- press!
- When we’re unsure of what to do- press!
- When we’re exhausted because we’ve been at it for a long time- press!
- When we feel like we’re close enough- press!
- When we’re too weary to pray- press!
- When we don’t have the words to express what we feel- press!
Pressing has benefits. The effort we exert yields rewards. The time we spend in prayer and scripture reading brings a crop of blessings.
As we focus on building a relationship with God, and actively push beyond our feelings to honor Him, He will honor us with His presence and provision (1 Samuel 2:30). Just press on!
Prayer
Lord, Teach us how to draw closer to you and to continue to pursue a fruitful relationship with you one day at a time.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Be well,
Michele
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Thank you for these words today and this powerful reminder! In the midst of our day to day living, at times, life can simply feel overwhelming. Lord, help me to remember You are near and all I need do is to Press! Amen!
He makes it so easy, Monica.
Your devotion is spot on!
Thank you, Roberta!
Thank you for the wonderful reminder message on PRESS!!!!! I was telling myself in 2020 LORD , Help me to PRESS on each and everyday. And to GOD answered my Prayers.
So glad, Sister Barnes!
Another amazing word of confirmation for me! Thank you!
Awesome, Kim!
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