We all want to live richly.

Though we may define it differently, our aspirations are to live a rich life filled with meaning.

God sent His Son to give us eternal life. Eternal life is a rich life filled with meaning and permanence.

How do we find the life we’ve always wanted?

First, desire a rich and meaningful life. God does not give His presence apart from our desire to have Him. He calls on us to seek Him with all our hearts (Jeremiah 29:13) and to draw near to Him (James 4:8). Isaiah called us to “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call on him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6).

In college, I recall an old joke about preparing for an exam. Some of my friends wanted to get ready by osmosis–that is, place the textbook under the pillow and take a nap. Then, hope that they absorbed something.

We often want to get to know God in that way–with the same predictable result.

To receive the life God wants us to have, we must pursue God and draw near to Him.

Second, learn from God Himself. God wants us to know Him and to have a rich and meaningful life. God gives us examples of those who pursued Him, and the disastrous results of those who ignored Him. His Word is filled with ways to know God.

Finally, commit to knowing God. Spend everyday seeking Him.

Recently, I spoke with someone who said: “I start well, but I don’t finish. I want to stay with God and finish well.” Commitment and perseverance are keys.

One of the things I do to help me persevere is to establish a repeatable routine. I spend the first minutes of the day with God. Later in the day, the day’s events may keep me from having adequate time to read, learn, and meditate on Scripture. Starting early opens the possibility to spend the time I need with God.

I hope you will take the steps to have a rich and meaningful life with God.

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