God created us to be in relationship with Him. The kind of fellowship that Adam and Eve enjoyed with the Lord was also for us. But when sin entered the world, everything changed. God's relationship with humanity was damaged.

But, as we know, that's not the end of the story. Christ came to die in our place, bringing forgiveness for our sins and restoring our relationship with the Heavenly Father. We are adopted into His family and belong to Him forever. He has provided us with everything we need to be by His side.

So what happens if new believers don't mature? Some will turn away from their initial zeal for the Lord. Others may try to focus on God, but the affairs of the daily routine will distract them. In time, some Christians will settle for comfort and familiarity and miss out on the deep satisfaction God wanted to give them. On the other hand, those who follow God wholeheartedly will have an ever-deeper relationship with Him.

Being in relationship with God caused King David's soul to be "satisfied as with the richest of foods" (Psalm 63:5 NIV). And Paul regarded his accomplishments as nothing compared to "the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:8 NIV). Draw close to God wholeheartedly and experience the blessings of knowing Him.

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I ask You to make me fall in love with You more and more every day. Increase my longing to be in close relationship with you. I don't want to settle, I don't want to be comfortable. I want to know more of Your heart. I want You to be the priority in my life, in my day to day. And may that longing to know you better be contagious. May my soul be satisfied in You alone. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

1.    Philippians 3:8-9 (NIV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.