God Runs After Us

Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

God Runs After Us was written by Lesley Coe and read by Stephen Tabor. The Reverend Lord says, In the ravines and in all the settlements in the land, I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak.

But the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice. God Runs After Us, written by Lesley Coe. For years, Evan struggled with an addiction that kept him from drawing close to God.

How can I be worthy of his love? He wondered. So while he kept going to church, he felt that there was an unbridgeable chasm that kept him separated from God. Yet whenever Evan prayed earnestly for something, God seemed to answer him. God also sent people to encourage and comfort him in difficult times. After some years, Evan realized God was constantly pursuing him and showing that he'd always loved and cared for him. And that's when he began to trust in God's forgiveness and love. Now I know that I'm forgiven and can let God draw me close to him, even though I'm still struggling with my addiction, he said. Ezekiel 34, 11-16 tells us of a God who pursued his people. I myself will search for my sheep and look after them, he said, vowing to rescue them and provide for them abundantly.

This was after their human leaders had abandoned them, and they themselves disobeyed their true shepherd. Whether we're helpless victims of circumstances or struggling with the consequences of our own sin, God pursues us in love. In his mercy and grace, he draws us back to him.

If you've forgotten God, turn back to him. Then as he leads, continue to walk with him each day. Let's pray together. Dear Lord, thank you for pursuing us with your unrelenting love and grace, even when we stray. Help us to turn back to you and follow your leading each day, trusting in your care and guidance. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. As you go about your day, reflect on these questions. How has God shown you that he cares for you and loves you? How can you let him draw you closer to him?