What do you desire more than anything on the earth?
Is it money, complete financial freedom, a fancy car, a big house, fame or popularity?
As we grow our priorities usually change.
There are things in my life that were way more important when I was younger than they are now. Some of the important priorities NOW are family, spending time with those we love, spiritual growth, and fulfilling God’s plan and purpose for my life.
Have you noticed that status and position, along with our identity, all change too as we age?
There is a psalm that spoke to me about desiring God more than anything else. He was in a place where he once envied the prosperity of those who did not walk with God. He saw the arrogant as not having any struggles with healthy and strong bodies. He saw them free from burdens and with a necklace of pride circled around their neck.
Now, however, he confesses that nothing in heaven or earth is more desirable than God.
How did he get there? He came to his senses saying, “…I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.” Psalm 73: 21-22
Some may be asking, “What does this have to do with exploring more in 2024?”
If we don’t recognize the things that are keeping us from pursuing more of God, then we’ll never desire the more.
Look at how the Psalmist had to become introspective. He starts clearly confessing he was torn up inside and that his heart was bitter, foolish, and ignorant.
That was a fine example of recognizing he was in need of more of God in his life.
After confession, he sees how faithful God is to him. He states, “Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.” Psalm 73: 23-24
Why is confession so good?
It opens up our eyes to see the love and faithfulness of God in a new light.
He now sees that God is still leading and guiding him and counseling him right into his destiny.
Now he moves right where God wants him asking the right questions. He says, “Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.” Psalm 73: 25
BAM! That’s the moment where God can now use and release the more in him. He declares, “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.” Psalm 73: 26
Can you see the progression?
He is now making declarations of who God is and where he stands in his walk with him.
Another translation says, “God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73: 26, NIV
Finally, he now sees his purpose and concludes by saying, “Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.” Psalm 73: 27-28
He now becomes a God-lover who knows where his strength comes from, how he is sheltered, and what he is called to do.
This is why confession is good for the soul! He now desires to tell everyone about the wonderful things God does.
As we conclude, I’ll ask the same question, in a different way than I asked in the beginning, “Do you desire God more than anything else.”
Remember, to explore is to examine or evaluate.
That’s what the Psalmist discovered as he confessed his bitterness, foolishness, and ignorance.
Examining our priorities and where we are in our walk with God is a great way to start the new year.
If we ask for more, evaluating is not a chore; with this, we get an open door in 2024.
Ask for more.
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
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