The Power of Chasing After God
Pastor Alex Hall | September 7, 2025 WATCH
In a world that often encourages us to settle for less, there's a powerful call echoing through the ages - a call to chase after God with everything we have. This isn't about a casual stroll or a leisurely pursuit. It's about an all-out sprint towards the heart of our Creator, fueled by an insatiable hunger for His presence.
Imagine playing hide and seek with a loving father. He doesn't hide to avoid being found; he hides because he wants you to seek him out. With every subtle cough or gentle knock, he's inviting you closer, eager for the moment of joyful discovery. This is the heart of our Heavenly Father. He's not distant or unreachable. He's waiting, longing for us to find Him.
But here's the catch - we can't afford to become sluggish in our pursuit. The book of Hebrews warns us against this very thing: "We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised" (Hebrews 6:12). There's a temptation to put our spiritual lives on cruise control, to coast on past experiences or settle for a lukewarm faith. But God is calling us higher.
This chase isn't just about personal fulfillment. It's about breaking free from the yokes that have held us captive. Isaiah 10:27 paints a vivid picture: "In that day their burden will be lifted from your shoulders, their yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because of the anointing." The anointing - God's presence and power - has the ability to shatter the chains of oppression, addiction, and fear that have weighed us down.
But how do we position ourselves to receive this liberating anointing? It starts with returning to the basics:
1. Embrace the Word: "To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20). We cannot compromise on the truth of Scripture. It's not about picking and choosing the parts we like; it's about embracing the fullness of God's revelation to us.
2. Worship Wholeheartedly: There's power in praise. When we lift our voices, raise our hands, and offer the "sacrifice of our lips" (Hosea 14:2), we're not just going through religious motions. We're actively participating in spiritual warfare, exchanging "a spirit of heaviness" for a "garment of praise" (Isaiah 61:3).
3. Stay Hungry: Complacency is the enemy of spiritual growth. We're called to "imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises" (Hebrews 6:12). Look for those who are running hard after God and follow their example. Their passion should ignite our own.
4. Embrace Community: The journey of faith was never meant to be solitary. We need each other to stay accountable, to encourage one another, and to spur each other on towards love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25).
5. Expect the Miraculous: Our God is still in the business of healing, delivering, and setting people free. Don't let skepticism or past disappointments rob you of expecting great things from a great God.
The prophet Hosea gives us a beautiful invitation: "Return to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity. Take words with you and return to the LORD" (Hosea 14:1-2). No matter how far we've strayed or how many times we've stumbled, the path back to God is always open. And we don't come empty-handed - we come with words of repentance, praise, and faith.
This journey of chasing after God isn't always easy. There will be moments of discouragement, seasons where the promises seem distant. But that's where faith and patience come into play. We hold onto the promises, mixing faith with endurance, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His word.
Remember, you're not alone in this pursuit. Just as a father delights in being found by his children during a game of hide and seek, our Heavenly Father eagerly awaits our seeking hearts. He's not hiding out of reach; He's inviting us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.
So, what's holding you back? Is it the comfort of complacency? The weight of past failures? The distractions of the world? It's time to shake off the dust, break free from the yokes that have held you down, and run with abandon towards the God who loves you.
Take up His Word like a treasured map, guiding you through every situation. Let praise be your constant companion, a weapon against discouragement and a key to breakthrough. Surround yourself with fellow chasers, those whose hunger for God inspires and challenges you. And above all, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
The invitation is clear. The path is set before us. Will you answer the call to chase after God with everything you have? There's so much more to discover, so much freedom to be found, so much of His presence to experience. Don't settle for less. It's time to run.
As you go about your week, carry these words with you: "It's chase season." Let it be a reminder that every moment is an opportunity to pursue God's heart, to seek His face, and to experience the fullness of His love and power in your life. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Take that step today, and watch as God meets you on the path, ready to lead you into depths of relationship you've never known before.