Some seek promotion and possessions. Some seek drugs or alcohol. Others seek philosophy or psychology. Many seek peer or partner acceptance. Each may seek in different ways, but ALL are trying to fill a hole inside that none of the things listed above can fill for more than a short time.

The prophet Amos was charged with reminding the people to seek God first and foremost for God is life. In John 14:6, Christ told the people clearly, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”. In Isaiah 40:31, God reminds us that it is in Him we find rest and strength. In Romans 15:13, He reminds us that He is the one who can overflow our spirits with hope. In Psalm 73:26, the psalmist was inspired to remind us that when our flesh fails and all else fades away – money, relationships, possessions, position – God remains to strengthen our hearts; He is the only portion we ever need, the salvation we all seek.

Beloved friends, I too looked in a lot of places for a long time. If I just had an education, things would be better. If I just had a husband, things would be better. If I just had a job, things would be better. If I just had more leadership, a bigger house, better position, larger income, smaller waistline, nicer clothes, newer car…get the picture? Is it a picture you’ve painted too? A constant flow of highs and lows, a perpetual list of “if onlys”?

Having spent several years seeking the wrong things myself, I am able to tell you with absolute confidence today that it is time to STOP seeking the things and the people of this world as a means to fill your “if only”. Now is the perfect time to stop grabbing at straws and choose instead to invest in the one relationship that fills every void in your life. Invest in a personal relationship with God and be amazed at how all of the other relationships in your life gain depth and greater meaning as you go deeper in your walk with Him.

Dear heart, the Bible is very clear, seek Him and you will find Him. Cry out to Jesus, the way, the truth, the life, the only way to the Father, and give your heart to Him. Trust in Him to be your portion and everything else either falls into place or falls out of your worries. The Lord provides all your needs when you seek Him first. What a difference doing so has made in my life! What a peace I have when I focus first and foremost on Him! Come alongside me and we’ll help each other stay focused on the only One who can satisfy our thirst, the only One who can put an end to the cycle of “if onlys” in our lives.