Opening Thought:
Have you ever felt distant from God, as if your mistakes or struggles placed a wall between you and His love? The beautiful truth of Scripture is that God doesn’t wait passively for us to return—He chases us. His pursuit is relentless, gracious, and fueled by a love that refuses to let us go.
Biblical Truth:
- He Runs to the Lost
In Luke 15:20, the father in the parable of the prodigal son doesn’t wait for his wayward child to reach home—he runs to meet him. This mirrors God’s heart: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God initiates, pursues, and bridges the gap our sin creates. - He Calls Us Back
Hosea 11:1-4 paints a vivid picture of God’s enduring love for Israel, even as they repeatedly rebel: “I taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms… I drew them with cords of human kindness.” Like a parent teaching a child to walk, God patiently guides and draws us back to Himself. - He Seeks the Wandering
Jeremiah 29:13-14 promises, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you.” God’s pursuit isn’t one-sided; He invites us into a relationship, assuring us that when we turn toward Him, He’s already there. - 1 John 4:19 (NIV): “We love because He first loved us.”
Our ability to seek God stems from His prior, relentless love.
Why Does God Chase Us?
God pursues us because His nature is love (1 John 4:8). Our shortcomings—sin, fear, or doubt—can’t outrun His grace. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Left to ourselves, we’d never bridge the gap between our brokenness and His holiness. But God, in His mercy, takes the first (and every) step.
Application:
God’s chase isn’t about condemnation—it’s about restoration. Psalm 23:6 reminds us, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.” His pursuit is relentless because His love is unchanging. When we feel distant, it’s not God who has moved—it’s our reminder to surrender to His grace.
How to Respond:
- Acknowledge His Pursuit: Recognize that God is actively drawing you near. Psalm 23:6 assures us, “Surely Your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” His “chasing” is a promise.
- Turn Toward Him: Like the prodigal son, take a step back—even a small one. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in.”
- Live Gratefully: Embrace His forgiveness and walk in freedom. As Micah 7:18-19 declares, He delights in mercy, casting our sins into the depths of the sea.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for chasing me even when I wander. Help me recognize Your voice, trust Your timing, and respond to Your love with repentance and joy. May I never forget that Your pursuit of me is rooted in Your endless mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Key Verses:
- Luke 15:20
- Hosea 11:1-4
- Jeremiah 29:13-14
- Psalm 23:6
- 1 John 4:19 (“We love because He first loved us.”)
Final Thought:
God’s pursuit is relentless because His love is unconditional. Today, rest in the truth that you are pursued, valued, and deeply loved—just as you are.
God’s chase is a testament to His character: He is the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one (Matthew 18:12-14). Rest in His pursuit today—you are never beyond His reach.
The Relentless Pursuit of God