We will never truly long for the face of Jesus until we lose ourselves, clothing ourselves with His life and character within us. Genuine longing for Christ only emerges after we have lived wholly for Him. The Word of God says, “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:4). If we have not yet gone “all out,” it is a sign that we have not truly discovered the awe of God. Within His awe, there is majesty, dread, holiness, and beauty that captivates the heart to cling to Him.
It is at that point we will cry out earnestly, “Do not leave me, Lord, for I cannot live without You.” But this is not just a memorized verse or a spiritual formality, but the cry of a heart broken by pure love and uncontainable longing. These are the ones the Bible calls the beloved of God. When someone reaches this depth, God delights to come for them, to reveal the beauty of His Kingdom, and to protect them—even when they do not ask for it.
How tragic is the life of someone who constantly wrestles with personal matters, endlessly spinning in the cycle of problems. They shift from one issue to another, yet never truly find a resolution. However, this does not mean we should have no issues or ignore them—they are part of responsibility. But God has taught us one principle of life: “Even if I must be broken, let me fall into Your hands. My life is to serve You. Whether I live or die, I am Yours.”
Imagine if persecution were to come one day, or if we were imprisoned—would we endure it with joy? Yes, if we genuinely love the Lord. For one day, His judgment will be revealed, and each person will receive their due reward. Those who fear the Lord and live in love for Him will be counted among the glorified.
Therefore, let us seek His face, even if the world sees us as strange. Follow the Lord, pursue His presence, and He will shape us into wise people. Do not let problems drown us, for if they do, it means we have belittled God, undervalued His Kingdom, and become blind to His glory.
The psalmist said, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26). We, too, must dare to say: “Whatever happens, the most important thing is that I have God. Whatever befalls me, I still want to be pleasing before Him.” Such declarations should not be made only when death is near, but now, while worldly temptations are still wide open, when pleasures and satisfactions can be easily attained. Yet we choose God and say, “There is no delight apart from You.” It is here that the glory of God will be revealed to us. But to reach this point requires courage and spiritual recklessness.
The words we hear or read mean nothing if they are not practiced and experienced. We may feel touched, but that is not enough. We must understand, internalize, and live them out. Not everything in Scripture can be grasped by logic alone; only those who have lived it will fully understand it. Therefore, let us seek God now—unceasingly, without delay.