Gold Digger

The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.

Psalm 145:18 (NLT)

I had a friend who came from a fairly well-to-do family (they were rich). He drove an expensive car, wore the top designer clothes and shoes, and basically looked the part. Of course, this made him attractive to several young ladies, one of which worked her way into his life. He really loved her. He showered her with amazing gifts. When they went out on dates, they went to the high-end restaurants. (By contrast, my first dinner date with my wife was to Taco Bell.) He used all the means at his disposal to help her feel valued and loved.

Then, it was all taken away. No, neither of them died. He got busted, and his parents cut him off from his cash (it was really their cash). No longer could he afford to buy expensive gifts for the love of His life. Within a matter of weeks, the girl broke up with him. It seems she was only interested in the relationship for what she could get out of it. She wasn’t really interested in the guy, just his money. She was a gold digger. He was devastated. He felt used, rightfully so.

Now, let’s bring this into the faith realm. The unfortunate reality is that we’re all the girl in this story. Every time we run to Jesus to get us out of a jam, to give us what we want, but only pursue Him when we need something, we’re gold diggers. We demonstrate that we’re not truly invested in Him. The only thing we appreciate is what He can give us.

King David, who was known to do this very thing, penned these words in our verse today, “The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.” Notice, He is close to those who come to Him in truth – not fakeness in a desire to manipulate Him into doing our bidding – but those who come to Him seeking, or having, a genuine relationship.

If you’re wondering why you haven’t experienced the closeness of God, you need to ask when the last time was you hung out with Him just to hang out. When was the last time you prayed because you felt like it, not because you needed something? When was the last time you sang praises to Him because He is worthy, not just because you liked the song? How often do you crack open the bible to learn more about Jesus, and not just to keep up with the adult quarterly or bible class? In short, you must pursue a genuine relationship to receive a genuine relationship. Only then will you experience the eternal closeness of our Lord.

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