Longing – Go for the More

This week at our lady’s bible study I presented the question, “Have we ever thought about the longings of our heart? Where do they come from, are they of God?” We’ve been working through Jennifer Rothchild’s workbook “Heaven.” Yes, we long for heaven, but what about here—now.

Longing is defined as the heart’s deep desire for something/someone. Or as Webster (in his 1828 version) states “earnestly desiring.” To long is to be in the state of “persistence.” Meaning, to steadfastly continue pursuing, despite difficulties, opposition, or failure. We refuse to give up. It’s about resilience and determination. It is not letting setbacks stop us! (Remember this definition, we’ll circle around to it).

Track with me, this is good.

God has put in us divine longing, His gift to us, awareness that here, in our now, there is something more. Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 3:11a “God has made everything beautiful in its time. He has set eternity in the hearts of men.” In the prior verses Solomon contrasts experiences: weeping-laughing; scatter-gather; tear down-build up; love-hate. These are all seasons; they come and go. Are any of these truly satisfying? No. THAT is why He set eternity in the heart of man—a glimpse of Himself. Ultimately, what are we longing for? The more is Him, His presence.

God has designed the human heart for transformation. In His all-knowing, He knew we would need it (divinely understating). King David wrote, “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4) This is not stating God as a cosmic genie granting all our fleeting whims or requests (and we have us some whims).

When we are delighted, it holds three elements: A sense of joy, satisfaction, and contentment. When these are focused (and may I offer, “locked in place”) on God, we will experience a shift in our desires. (See Galatians 5:19-25)

Psalm 16:8 “I have set the LORD always before me, He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Yes, David).

To help illustrate this verse, I asked Cheryl to come and stand quite a few feet away from me in the middle (out amongst the tables of women). Having her face me, I stated she was representing God. As “God” a fair distance away, (and small) everyone/everything also was in view for me. The “every” is distracting. As I walked closer toward “God” (and He toward me, James 4:8) He became bigger (Cheryl is much taller than I am). As I stood inches away, all I could see was Cheryl (God). So close, I couldn’t see pass Him, over Him or around Him. “I have set (locked in place) the LORD always before me.”

Delighted in this closeness, making it a priority and knowing the above, “He will give you the desires of your heart.” Give not only means to put and present but can also convey “exchange.” When we set God right in front of us (distractions not seen) the “exchange” of desires is conveniently located “at my right hand.” Mine for His. The human heart is designed for Him.

What are we earnestly desiring? How is our persistence toward our God?Are we steadfastly continuing to pursue, despite difficulties, opposition, or failure. Refuse to give up! Be intentional in resilience and determination. Go for the more. HIM.

Longing.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).

The above is an excerpt of my teaching with the women.