Growing up in this nation, we know many who have pursued or chased after their dreams. Some sought to pursue a career while others wanted to be sports stars. Some went into the military and some didn’t. Relationship-wise, many have pursued “the one” we thought was right for us, while others have not yet found that person or have given up the pursuit. In the end, we have all chased after something.

Friends vs Relationship

In this day of multiple social media platforms, the term “friend” has little substance and has only served to break down true relationships between people.  We spend our time “chatting” via messenger services, yet never go out of our way to speak with others, in person,  as we used to. 

Too many no longer have or pursue an affinity or connection with others, but God does. 

God: The maker and pursuer of man 

In the book of Genesis it tells us that God made man in his likeness, in His image. God fashioned man from the earth and breathed life into him. Man was not spoken into existence like everything else. Man was created by the hand of the Creator for a relationship, a connection, with Him.  This relationship was so intimate that Adam knew the sound that God made walking through the garden. 

We see God interacting with man on an intimate level throughout the bible. In Exodus 33:8-11 it says, “And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent. As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the Lord spoke with Moses. Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to their tent. The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” God came down to Moses and spoke to him. God is a God of relationship. 

Jeremiah 32:37-41 says, “I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in my furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety. They will be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them. I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul.” 

Jesus said, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek (pursue) and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:9-10)

ABBA … More than “Daddy” 

Our relationship with God is to be that of a child and this has been the plan from the beginning. In Ephesians it reads, “For consider what he (God)  has done—before the foundation of the world he (God) chose us to become, in Christ, his holy and blameless children living within his constant care. He planned, in his purpose of love, that we should be adopted as his own children through Jesus Christ…” (Eph 1:3-6 JBP)

Like Jesus, we as believers in Christ, can call God our Father. By definition, “Father” denotes a functional relationship, but our relationship is more than that.  

In Mark’s gospel we find Jesus praying in the garden before he was betrayed. Jesus called to God saying “ABBA Father”. (Mark 14:36) Abba cannot be translated to English but it implies total trust. Many have tried to infer that Abba means “Daddy”, but the word Daddy falls short. When Jesus said “Abba Father”, it could be better understood as to mean “Father in whom I have total trust”. This truth directly impacts the believer’s life as you will see. 

Romans 8:14-16 says “For all who are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading again to fear [of God’s judgment], but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [the Spirit producing sonship] by which we [joyfully] cry, “Abba! Father!” (AMP)

Galatians 4:4-7 says “But when [in God’s plan] the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the [regulations of the] Law, so that He might redeem and liberate those who were under the Law, that we [who believe] might be adopted as sons [as God’s children with all rights as fully grown members of a family]. And because you [really] are [His] sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba! Father!”  Therefore you are no longer a slave (bond-servant), but a son; and if a son, then also an heir through [the gracious act of] God [through Christ]. (AMP)

As believers, we can come to God asking, “Father, in whom I have total trust, hear my plea” because in the sight of God we are His children.

What or who are you pursuing?

Are you seeking or pursuing God’s kingdom over the things of this world? The bible tells us that the things (treasures) of this world are temporary and can be stolen or destroyed. Yet when we pursue the treasures of heaven, we gain the indestructible.  (Matthew 6:19-20)

“But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”(Matthew 6:33 AMP) 

As you seek (pursue) after God He has promised that you will find him (Proverbs 8:17). Matthew described finding God as a hidden treasure or valuable jewel that is worth everything it took to obtain it.(Matthew 13:44-46) 

God created you for an intimate relationship with Him and He has removed all the barriers that would keep this from being possible. He has already said you will find Him when you seek Him. 

He is closer than you know!  Go ahead and look!