We’ve all been doing a little hunting here lately around the house. In the afternoon, after the cows are fed and the work is done, we try to sneak away to the stand for an hour or so, looking for the ever-elusive white tail.
We are probably what some would call “a hunting family.” We all hunt; some more than others. Our kids even enjoy taking their friends and sharing the experience with others.
We have hunted in warm weather, cold weather , rain and sun. (In south Mississippi, we call that last week!) Always hunting with the hope of seeing “the big one.” I personally, am not the cold and rainy type of hunter, but I do enjoy spending time in the stand!
Let’s make one thing clear though, here in south Mississippi, what we call “the big one” is not typically what you would see if you were to watch one of those hunting shows on TV. Our deer are smaller in body size and horn.
Now don’t get me wrong, we have had the opportunity to see and shoot some “big ones” before, but all of those came from places far from south Mississippi. But my heart still pounds just the same when a small, swamp buck walks in, as if he is the big Nebraska trophy on my wall.
So this time of year, we are making time to hunt. Every afternoon if possible. Some have seen what they suspect to be the “big one” and so everyone is taking their turn going to that particular stand as often as possible with high hopes.
Most days, that time in the stand, ends without meat to go to the freezer and no horns to show for bragging rights. They don’t call it “hunting” for nothing! But there is nothing like an afternoon spent in the stand in the peacefulness of the woods. Sometimes, the reward of the hunt is simply the time away from it all.
Recently though, it really struck me while sitting in the stand, watching the deer, and enjoying His creation…
Do I go after Him as much as that big buck? Do I seek Him in the same way?
Do I spend as much time with Him as I do hunting, fishing, watching TV or on social media?
There are no promises when hunting that you will see or shoot a deer. Again, that’s why it’s called deer hunting, not deer killing. But with God we have a promise. He said, “If you seek me, you will find me. It’s a guarantee! He restated His promise again in the book of Matthew chapter 7.
Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking
This year, I have vowed to go after God more than ever. Our family word for 2020 is 3 John 1:2. “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, even as your soul prospers.” We are working to prosper our souls. We are praying, reading the Bible, and fasting more. We have made seeking Him our priority. His promise is that when we go after Him, everything else will line up. (Matthew 6:33)
We are trying to seek Him more than ever before. There will be days that we won’t go after Him like we should, but our hearts have turned and we are making Him important! We have gone hunting! Won’t you join us? A good hunt is exciting and can be challenging! Going after God is no different and there is just no telling what we will discover about God and ourselves this year as we “hunt” Him! But unlike the evasive white-tail, if we “hunt” and seek after God, we will always find Him. And the rewards of this hunt are much better than any buck that could ever hang on a wall! The rewards are everlasting!
“Don’t try to get all your rewards on earth. There are more rewards in Heaven.” ~ Bo Sanchez
Thanks for reading!
God is truly our one Holy Loving Lord who does hear our cries and prayers and sees all of our…
Better caught than taught! Love it!
Thank you for sharing! I agree 100%. So many lessons are caught much more than taught. Actions usually speak louder…
Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
I very much needed to read this blog post. I’m working on deepening my relationship with God. Thank you for your thought viewpoints.