Tell me where you lost the company of Christ, and I will tell you the most likely place to find him.

Did you lose him in the prayer closet by holding back your prayers? Then that's where you must seek him. Did you lose Christ through sin? You will find him no other way than by giving up that sin and asking the Holy Spirit to kill it at the root. Did you lose Christ by neglecting Scripture? Then you must find him in Scripture. The old saying is true: "Look for a thing where you dropped it." So look for Christ where you lost him, because he hasn't moved.

But here's the hard truth: going back for Christ is painful work. Bunyan tells us that when his pilgrim had to retrace his steps to the resting place where he'd lost his scroll, it was the hardest stretch of road he ever traveled. Twenty miles forward is easier than one mile back.

So when you find your Master again, hold tight to him. But tell me—how did you lose him in the first place? You would think nothing could tear you away from such a precious friend! His presence is so sweet. His words bring such comfort. His company means everything to you. How did you not watch him every single moment, terrified of losing sight of him?

Still, since you have let him slip away, what mercy that you're seeking him now, even as you cry out, "If only I knew where to find him!" Keep seeking. It's dangerous to live without your Lord.

Without Christ you are a sheep with no shepherd. A tree with no water at its roots. A withered leaf in the storm, no longer connected to the tree of life.

Seek him with your whole heart, and you will find him. Just throw yourself completely into the search. I promise you this: you will discover him again, to your everlasting joy.