Singular focus

Nasa's photo of Hurricane Sandy

The mighty storm, Sandy, came and is now gone. It lived up to the warnings. The wind howled. And those who came in its path are trying to pick up the pieces.

As I think back on the storm, what struck me most was not so much the storm but how we responded. We became singulary focused. All of our thought and concerns went into the storm.

How many times did we watch the forecast? How often did we look outside at the trees?

For a few days, nothing else seemed to matter.

I wish we could have that focus and desire for God. If we could go after God like that deer that pants for the water, how great would our relationship be!

Recently, I was rereading A. W. Tozer’s Pursuit of God. In his opening chapter, he ends with this prayer that expresses our hearts:

O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, so that I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, “Rise up, My love, My fair one, and come away.” Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.