The story of 12 year old Jesus, mistakenly left in Jerusalem by His earthly parents (Luke 2:41-52), has repeatedly shown up over the last week – in my Pastor’s sermon, in my study time and in my devotionals. After the Passover festival, Joseph and Mary were a day into their trip back home, to Nazareth, when they realized that Jesus was not with them. Days later, they found Him doing our Father’s business.

In this and given the busyness of life, I recognize that it is so easy to leave Him behind and out of our day; out of our thoughts; out of our actions; out of our plans; and, in turn to wander off and lead our own lives. It’s actually effortless to allow things and circumstances to win over our hearts, our time and our attention. Thus, in everything and in everyday, we must be intentional and so careful to remain in His presence, allowing Him to reside in and lead our hearts.

He wants us to live each moment with purpose. Without Him, we cannot. Yet, with Him we have every chance to (Matthew 19:26). So, I charge you, and challenge myself, to be on purpose in pursuing Him! Do not forfeit your time with Him for what is temporary and fleeting (2 Corinthians 4:18), but choose to incessantly dwell in Him. Choose to heed to the desire, He’s placed in you, for Him.

Almost a year ago, today, we acknowledged that “the Creator of like the whole universe just wants to talk with you”. He simply wants us to acknowledge and embrace His omnipresence; to connect with and spend quality, not just quantity, time with Him; and to actively seek after His heart with our whole heart like David did (Acts 13:22). And, when we do so, He candidly promises to show up. No airs. No fluff.

“When you come looking for Me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding Me and want It more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” Jeremiah 29:13

In the midst of your to-dos and circumstances, resolve. Resolve to converse with Him. Resolve to praise Him. Resolve to thank Him for all that He is. In doing so, you agree that His presence in your life is real; you permit Him to give you His heart; you make the way for Him to meet you at your desires (Psalm 37:4); and you allow Him to exceed your expectations.

“Refuse to be content…Insist on experiencing His presence” – in everyday, in everything.