I want to invite you into a deeper pursuit—of Jesus Himself. In a world full of surface-level knowledge, where a quick scroll through social media or a Google search provides us with facts about people, true knowing requires something more: intentional seeking, time spent together, listening, observing, and engaging heart-to-heart. The same is true with Jesus. You can’t truly know Him by skimming Scripture or hearing about Him secondhand. You must chase Him, pursue Him wholeheartedly, just as the Bible promises: “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).

Think about how we pursue relationships in life. When we’re interested in someone—maybe dating or building a friendship—we make the effort. We ask questions, spend time, and listen closely. Why would it be any different with the Savior who gave everything for us? Many pastors remind us that repeated themes in Scripture are important, and that’s true. But what about those hidden gems, the verses that reveal intimate details about God’s heart, not shouted from every page? Those require a little more digging, a little more chasing. And Psalm 22:3 is one of those treasures.

In Psalm 22:3, we read: “But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel.” (Many translations render it as God being “enthroned” or even “inhabiting” the praises of His people.) This verse, set in one of the most profound psalms in Scripture—a messianic cry that prophetically captures Christ’s suffering on the cross—offers an astonishing promise of closeness. Charles Spurgeon, in his Treasury of David, calls Psalm 22 “the photograph of our Lord’s saddest hours, the record of his dying words, the lachrymatory of his last tears,” declaring it unparalleled: “there is none like it” for expressing the depths of divine agony and ultimate triumph. It’s “THE PSALM OF THE CROSS,” beginning with Jesus’ words from the cross—”My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?”—and moving toward glory.

Yet right amid this anguish, verse 3 declares God’s holiness and His enthronement in the praises of His people. What an intimate picture! God doesn’t just hear our praise; He is enthroned there—seated, dwelling, reigning in the very act of our worship. When we praise Him, especially in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), we draw near in a way that invites His manifest presence. To worship in spirit is to commune directly with God from our innermost being. To worship in truth is to live consistently with that communion—a lifestyle of alignment with His holiness.

This isn’t about manipulating God; it’s about aligning ourselves with Kingdom reality. As we exalt His name through praise—whether in personal devotion or gathered worship—He manifests His power in ways suited to the moment: healings, miracles, conviction, salvation, prophetic words, or simply a profound sense of awe. Praise prepares a place for Him, establishing His throne in our midst. We are physically where we are, and He is always with us, but when we praise, we spiritually enter that enthroned place with Him. What could be more intimate? You can’t get closer to Jesus than this—He is enthroned in your praises. This is His promise to you!

Now, blend this with the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10. Here was a wealthy tax collector, despised by his own people, yet he was intentional about seeking Jesus. He didn’t wait passively; he ran ahead, climbed a tree—anything to catch a glimpse. Zacchaeus pursued Jesus wholeheartedly, and Jesus responded: “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” What followed was a personal encounter that transformed him. Zacchaeus declared he would give half his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he had cheated fourfold. Evidence of a changed heart! Salvation came to his house because he sought Jesus earnestly.

This encounter mirrors the disciples’ post-resurrection meetings with the risen Christ, or Paul’s dramatic Damascus Road experience, or even Peter’s restoration after denial. A genuine encounter with Jesus changes everything. Zacchaeus looked for Jesus intentionally, and his pursuit led to intimacy and transformation. Just like him, we must be intentional—climbing whatever “tree” it takes: setting aside time for prayer, diving into Scripture, lifting our voices in praise even when life feels heavy.

Don’t you want Jesus to come to your house? To your heart, your family, your daily circumstances? Pursue Him! Be intentional in your seeking and in your praise. Worship Him in spirit and truth, enthroning Him through your songs, your gratitude, your surrendered life. In those moments of praise, you’ll find Him drawing near, ready to transform you from the inside out.

At En-Joy Ministries, we believe joy comes from this very pursuit—chasing Jesus, knowing Him deeply, and experiencing the life-changing power of His presence. So today, make the choice: Seek Him wholeheartedly. Praise Him intentionally. Watch as He enthrones Himself in your life and brings the transformation only He can give.

Let’s pray: Lord Jesus, stir in us a hunger to chase You. Help us praise You in spirit and truth, enthroning You in our lives. Come to our “house” today—change our hearts, just as You did for Zacchaeus. We seek You with all our hearts. Amen.

With joy in the journey, Pastor Barron Greenwalt, En-Joy Ministries