“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Prov. 13:12
Ever felt the sting of Mick Jagger’s words, “I can’t get no satisfaction!” and have they resonated deep within? Well, sooner or later every believer is confronted with this soul satisfaction dilemma. Thankfully, God doesn’t leave us to our own devices, but personally provides the enduring answer as He "satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Ps. 107:9
So how do we get to this place fulfilled longings? Let’s take a look at this cyclic progression:
Recognize our need: First, we must recognize our true need, reject the world’s message, and go to God with our longings! “O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for You. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.” Is. 33:2
Realign our Priorities: Remember the ole’ adage, ‘we can lead a horse to water, but we can’t make him drink’? Maybe we can’t make him drink, BUT we CAN salt his oats! ~~We can do things that simulate our thirst & longing for GOD. One thing we’ve found that can really stoke the fire of desire for God is being in an environment of worship and intimate fellowship. When is the last time you went to a Christian concert or retreat? “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Ps 63:1
Have a Vision of our Future: ~~ Sick and tired of being sick and tired? Found any new wrinkles or gray hairs? Any new aches & pains? Lost anyone close lately? Do we have a clear cut picture of what heaven will really be like? The greatest place on earth is a cesspool in comparison! “Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling.” 1Cor. 5:2
Trust God’s “Stimulus Package” for our Spiritual Economy :
“…the Holy Spirit, whom God has placed within us, longs for us to be faithful.” Jam. 4:5 God places His Spirit inside each of us. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives within us, possessively empowering each of us to live a life worthy of Jesus’ sacrifice for us and His calling upon us.
“The Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion.” Is. 30:18 God fashioned us for Himself. He is our Abba daddy and intimately knows every thought in our minds, every cell in our bodies, and every move we will ever make. He longs to be known by us, to shower His blessings upon us and to one day take us as His bride to paradise forever.
We pray a ‘longing fulfilled’ for each of you this week!
Much love,
Shaun and Betsy
