Having grown up in the church, I often heard of the importance of a close relationship with Jesus. Yet on any given day, there are way too many voices and responsibilities distracting us from Him.

As life became quieter, more isolated even, it was the perfect time to read The Sacred Chase by Heath Adamson. The days were folding into one another and becoming rote, which made it the right time to stir up the mundane and seek greater depth.

As the author states in his introduction:

“Whether things are going great or you feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of things constantly falling apart, right now is your moment to shout a resounding yes and begin the chase – the sacred chase – that always results in winning the prize. And what is that prize? The reality of Jesus in your life today.

The sacred chase is not about performing for God’s approval; rather, it is about positioning your heart and responding to a divine glance. And one glance is all it takes.”

In these historical, pandemic days the author drew me in with his stories and illustrations. Each chapter renewed my desire to be all in as I chase after Jesus in my own life.

There were no step by step suggestions for which I found myself grateful. The sacred chase is meant to be personal and individual, unique to each of us.

The book will shatter some misconceptions, opening our eyes to the fact that we can be near to God yet not intimate with God. We can possess a knowledge of Him without truly knowing Him in a personal manner.

“There is one enemy of our sacred chase that often remains undetected. It causes us to become impressed with ourselves, and though we’re slowly decaying, provides an appearance of life. Spiritual apathy wears it like a costume. We will call it proximity …

Proximity, also called nearness, religious performance, or lack of vulnerability, is a shrewd enemy of our spiritual inheritance.”
(from page 37)

The book was encouraging and challenging as it opened my eyes to see that we are as close to God as we choose to be. God will not limit us in our intimacy with Him. This time of isolation and quieter days, days of less activity, made me realize the depth to which busyness distracts us from being still before God.

We must deliberately posture our hearts so our hearts desire to know and pursue God, no matter how hard the road before us.

“Let us crucify every excuse, and then let us begin the sacred chase.

It is the opportunity of a lifetime and for all of eternity.”
(from page 197)

** I was provided a copy of this book by Baker Books. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. This post contains affiliate links.  If you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small percent at no additional cost to you.

Today I am joining … Heart Encouragement and Let’s Have Coffee and Booknificent Thursday .