Seek and deeply long for His face and His presence continually. Psalm 105:4 (AMP)
For many years dog and cat owners have been bickering over the relative merits of each type of pet. But in recent years, scientific researchers have started to weigh in – and most of their findings so far come down firmly on the side of dogs. Research has revealed that cats can be a little self-serving, a touch self-centred, aloof, manipulative and they don’t seem to have the same sort of emotional attachment to their owners. It’s been said that they meet the Oxford Dictionary’s definition of selfish: being “concerned chiefly with one’s own personal profit or pleasure”. On the other hand, many of the qualities which come effortlessly to dogs are a sense of loyalty to its owner, unconditional love, selflessness and unflagging optimism.
I was thinking of this as I considered our relationship with God. The Bible says:
Seek and deeply long for His face and His presence continually. Psalm 105:4 (AMP)
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV)
What are our motives in seeking God? Applying the above ‘catlike’ mentality, are we purely seeking Him for selfish reasons, devoid of emotional attachment? Are we materialistic, treating God like a cosmic slot machine that yields desired rewards when presented with the right combination of words? Or, are we like a dog and seeking Him with no hidden agenda? Are we praying for only our needs and comfort or for global impact? Is it all about me or all about Him? David said:
When You said, “Seek My face,”
My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.” Psalm 27:8 (NKJV)
Let’s seek Him with selfless devotion considering it a privilege to be in His presence.