Consider these phrases from the song, “As the Deer”.
As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you. I want you more than gold or silver. Only you can satisfy.
I am glad we sing songs of faith and dependence, because the daily grind of life tends to undo the reality of God-dependence. With economic pressures, problems and conflicts around the world, and our own individual struggles, we often think life in this world depends on better human endeavors.
One of my favorite topics for preaching is “heaven.” The Bible says the goodness of God leads people to repentance (Rom. 2:4). Heaven tells us just how good God is. When I try to understand heaven, I find motivation for living in Christ. I do not remember when I first heard the illustration, nor where, nor from whom.
I have good news and bad news. The good news is that you are definitely going to heaven. The bad news is that God will not be there. Do you still want to go?
I realize such is hypothetical, even unreal. Heaven without God? Heaven without Christ? But get behind the irreality, and think about the point. Do we seek God or deliverance from punishment? Are we focused on God or streets of gold?
A goal for today: think often about the presence of God in your life, and seek his presence. Only in his abiding presence can we know his plan and purpose, his power, his provision and protection, and his promises.