Sure As the Dawn

"Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord;
    his going out is sure as the dawn;
he will come to us as the showers,
    as the spring rains that water the earth.” (Hosea 6:3)

When I was first asked about writing a devotional, I asked my Facebook friends to tell me their favorite verse. The variety of answers I received was both surprising (they weren't all John 3:16) and encouraging. The answers gave me a little insight into some of my friends--how they handle problems and discouragement, how they lift their spirits, how they encourage themselves and others ... how they love the Lord.

But this particular verse was suggested by my daughter. When I looked it up (because I wasn't readily familiar), it turned out to be one of those verses that just makes me stop. A verse that embodies the idea of BE STILL. These words speak to me in a voice of calm assurance.

Of course, there is a condition on this assurance. We have to "press on" to know Him. In other words, we have to want to know Him. It takes a little effort on our part. I often hear people talking about accepting Jesus as if it happens by osmosis. Accept Jesus, and you'll automatically know everything you need to know about worshiping God or salvation (hint: according to His word, there's more than just that acceptance thing).

It takes work, friends.

It takes study. A desire to learn and grow and obey. A constant watchfulness for that "prowling lion" who'd love to get his claws into us (especially a babe in Christ). We have to "press on."

But then there's the second part of the verse. The part that gives me that calm assurance. Sure as the dawn. That's the God I serve. The God I love, who loves me even when I'm unlovable. How can I not want to press on to know Him?

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

• What does "pressing on" mean for me, specifically?
• In what ways have I come to know the Lord?
• In what ways can I continue learning and knowing Him?