Chasing what?

As a 20 year old in college, I find myself running in all sorts of different directions. I always feel as if somehow, I’m behind in whatever I’m doing. The lists that clutter every single day of my planner seem to grow steadily. But, two nights ago I got a well-needed God smack over the head. I was watching my girl Sadie Robertson on YouTube and she was discussing what we are to be seeking in this world. And it really made me think about what I had been seeking, or chasing, these past few months of my life. To my horror, I realized it wasn’t Jesus Christ. I had been chasing perfection, relationships, abilities, and everything else there is to be chasing in this world. My attention span is that of a squirrel on coffee (or my youngest brother, there’s not much of a difference) and I quickly lose sight of what really matters in my life. I have had this idea in my head about what my life should look like. How it can be perfect in every single way. But if we’re being honest, I have yet to even come close to reaching it. The rug is pulled out from underneath my feet every time. It has been so extremely frustrating because I feel as if I work and work at something, only then to have it slip right on through my fingers. What I need to be chasing though, or more correctly who I need to be chasing, is God. Proverbs 3:5 says,

“Trust the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.”

Some of you may be wondering how that even relates to chasing things, but listen. When we as humans lean on ourselves, whether it’s our abilities, talents, relationships, or anything like that, we’re putting our time and effort into them to keep them around or to obtain them in the first place. But, when we place our trust in God, when we lean on Him, our lives completely change. We find real joy, real contentment. We find peace and love and grace. We find safety and shelter. Everything we need and want is all in one place. And it’s in our Sweet Savior Jesus Christ. And what’s even better is that technically “chase” isn’t even the word I should be using. We run TO God, not after Him. Because He never leaves us. He never moves away or runs and hides from us. We don’t have to go after Him. We simply have to go to Him. So, friends, what are you chasing and is it something worth the chase? Or are you tired of chasing after the things of this world, only to have them crumble before you? If you are, I encourage you to quit chasing and to turn and run to the Almighty God. Run. Luke 18:8 puts it this way,

“..but Jesus called them to Him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.'”

God wants you. He desires to have you run to Him so that He may embrace you and call you His own. How cool, right? So run with all your heart to meet Him. This is something we all struggle with. I fight with it every day I wake up. But, I hope that you know that He’s waiting for you with open arms. Waiting for you to finally give up the chase.