April 28

My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me. — Ps 63:8 BSB

The Lord does not allow Himself to be overtaken at first. The more the soul seeks Him, the more He seems to withdraw, drawing the soul to pursue Him more earnestly. He intends to be found, but not until after a long and earnest chase. It is His own work in the heart that kindles these desires after Him, and He strengthens the soul to continue the pursuit. But to increase the longing and intensity of desire, He withdraws, drawing the soul around and around, so that it seeks after Him all the more.

This is beautifully illustrated in the Song of Solomon 5:2-8. The Lord comes to His bride, but she is slow to respond. He knocks, but she does not immediately open the door. When she finally opens it, He is gone. Now, filled with longing, she pursues Him through the streets and walls of the city, seeking Him but not immediately finding Him. This shows how the Lord draws the longing soul after Himself.

If we could easily obtain the Lord’s presence, we would not appreciate it as much. But when we must seek Him earnestly, with all our heart and soul, the joy of finding Him is that much sweeter. This was the Psalmist’s experience when he cried, “My soul follows hard after You” (Psalm 63:8).