When asked, people give various answers regarding their most important component in life. There could be a thousand such good things for a variety of people from different contexts, age groups, nations, cultures, and economies. However, all these choices fade away and become insignificant compared to the presence of the Lord. Psalmist sings it is better to be in His presence for a day than a thousand elsewhere. (Psalms 84:10) In other words, thousands of things that are precious, desirable, and worth pursuing are nothing when we receive everything in the best form in His presence. Here are some of the prominent desires of people, all fulfilled in His presence.
Love: People like to be affirmed, accepted, and loved unconditionally. Sadly, human love is limited and could be exhausted. Parents’ love, children’s love, siblings’ love, spouse’s love, and friends’ and relatives’ love all stop at one point. A repentant sinner like the prodigal son is accepted unconditionally, honored, and granted a higher status, and there is a celebration. God’s love is better than any other form of human love.
Joy: Happiness is the pursuit of many, but it depends on the occasion and events. Joy is a mindset that is not dictated by or directed by emotions. So, a believer could always rejoice in the Lord. (Philippians 4:4)
Peace: Another pursuit of humans is peace, and some philosophers have concluded that it is only in a graveyard. The Lord has promised enduring peace, amid all circumstances, which the world cannot provide or snatch away. (John 14:27)
Free Food: Some shared in a survey that the most cherished thing is free food. Humans do not change. Those who experienced God’s gracious gift in the miracle of feeding the Five Thousand continued to pursue the Lord. Concerned about their instinct for only earthly food and disinterest in heavenly things, including enduring food, the Lord rebuked them. (John 6:27)
Reward: Humans like to receive recognition and reward. God rewards all, even with the smallest help of serving a cup of water. (Matthew 10:42)
Do I long for Him rather than a thousand other things?