He Chooses to Pursue

“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.”
– Psalm 23:6 NLT

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Our kids loved to play chase when they were small.

 

“Catch me, Daddy!” they squealed as they pulled on my husband’s hand.

 

“Catch me if you can!”

 

And off they’d go. Two sets of little feet running and weaving through the grass and around trees as they looked over their shoulder to make sure Daddy was still in close pursuit.  And my sweet hubby would do his best to act (at least I think it was an act) worn out or lost, so he wouldn’t catch them too soon.

 

It was so much fun to watch. Their laughter rang with reckless abandon and utter joy. They were the object of their daddy’s attention. He was on the hunt, so to speak, to gather them up, maybe tickle their bellies or smother them with kisses. Either way, love was the prize.

 

As I thought about these beautiful memories this week, I realized the joy and love they experienced would never have happened if their daddy hadn’t chosen to chase. If he had said he was too busy or not interested, the opportunity to connect, create memories, or know love would have been lost.

 

In my prayer time this week, I ask God to show me a characteristic about himself he’d like me to know. I’m always amazed how quickly He answers prayer when the focus is on Him.

 

“I am a Pursuer, I pursue my children.” He whispered to my heart.

 

And so He is, and does.

 

From the One who called, “Where are you?” in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:9), to the Good Shepherd who goes after lost sheep (Luke 15:4), to the Son of Man who came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), our God chooses to pursue.

 

Whether we set our feet to run towards or away, God pursues with a relentless love. He delights in us (Proverbs 3:12), we are His chosen people (1 Peter 2:9) and the apple of His eye (Psalm 17:8).

 

Do you know this? Do you live knowing this?

 

Regardless of the kind of earthly father you’ve known, may this Father’s Day have you relishing in the notion that your heavenly Father never takes His eyes off you.

 

But be careful not to answer His pursuing love with more duty and obligation. Simply rest in His faithfulness. It is far more important than anything we have to offer.

 

Run through the fields of your life with abandon and joy knowing God is in close pursuit, yet don’t forget to slow down long enough for Him to catch you, swoop you up, and smother you with kisses, so you can experience the prize of His love.

 

He chooses to pursue only to love, and be known.

 

He chooses to pursue…

 

You.