In Pursuit of Love

Unlocked: Daily Devotions for Teens

READ: PSALM 18:1-2; MATTHEW 7:24-27; 1 JOHN 4:9-10

When my high school sweetheart broke up with me in college, my whole world turned upside down. He had been my everything: my best friend, my anchor, my fortress, my rock. And suddenly it was all gone. I was devastated, lost, and alone.

I kept pursuing him in the hopes that we might get back together. I even followed him to a Christian organization on campus. But instead of getting my boyfriend back, I found someone so much better—Jesus. Little did I know that, as I had been pursuing my ex-boyfriend, Jesus had been pursuing me.

Slowly but surely, I began rebuilding my life upon the true Rock, my Savior, Jesus Christ. As I grew in my relationship with Jesus, seeking Him more and more each day, He turned my world right side up again. And now, not only am I married to a man who is a much better match for me, but I can also look back in gratitude at the turn of events that led me to Christ.

Therefore, I praise God for His pursuing love, and that He “set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand” (Psalm 40:2). Now I know that when my world turns upside down, I will never again be lost. I can cling to Jesus, my Rock. He says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). God the Father’s love—shown through His Son Jesus Christ and poured into us through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5)— continues to pursue us through everything. • Tracy Mikula

• God is always pursuing us with steadfast love. He wants to be our best friend, our anchor, our fortress, and our rock. That’s why Jesus came to die on the cross and rise again—to bring us near to God. Can you think of a time you realized God was pursuing you with love? What was that like? You can ask God to open your eyes to His pursuing presence anytime.

• An idol is anything—or anyone—that is more important to us than our relationship with God. We all stray into idolatry throughout our lives, but God is eager to forgive and help us. What might be some idols in your life right now? Consider taking some time to talk with God about these. Remember, you can be totally honest with Him about all your questions, frustrations, fears, and doubts. And you can also ask Him for the strength and wisdom to pursue Him first and foremost (Matthew 6:33).

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10 (NIV)