Psa 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. (nasb)

Whom have I in heaven but you? How many times have you heard someone tell you that they look forward to meeting a loved one who has passed on in heaven? I have many people I have lost in my life that I look forward to the day that we will see each other again, face to face. There will be great joy. But as I meditated on this verse today the thought came to me, “how many times have I said to someone, I can’t wait to see God in heaven?” I know I have said it a time or two, but I must confess, my thoughts generally gravitate towards the ‘things’ about heaven rather than the God of heaven. A mansion filled with many rooms, streets paved with gold, no more hunger and pain, happiness and joy abounding. These are all good things, but if they were all that heaven was about and Jesus wasn’t there, would I still desire to go there?

Jesus is the focal point of the Christian faith but it seems over the past few decades ‘things” have been taking His place. Preachers and teachers telling us that we will be blessed by God if we follow His ways. That we just need more faith and things will turn out good. Our focus becomes more on how to get good gifts rather than worshiping a good and loving Gift Giver. How much do I desire Jesus rather than the blessings Jesus affords me. Without the blessings of God would I still desire him? These are questions I am meditating on today and my first response is to say, ‘Well yes, of course.”

But as I dig a little deeper into my heart I begin to see how there are many things I desire here on this earth besides Him. Convenience, comfort, money, position, human companionship, and the list goes on. If I had it all stripped away from me, such as Job did, would I still be able to say “Lord, there is still nothing I desire besides you?” I certainly hope so.

Lord I want to desire you more than any earthly thing.