Faith Words: Longings
We've just returned from a round-trip to Dallas via Lubbock to visit family for Thanksgiving. The trip was long, especially for someone riding in the third row of the Explorer surrounded by luggage and coats and other trip paraphernalia. My claustrophobia kicked in for a while. Anyway, we had a great time and it was worth it to be able to see relatives we hadn't connected with in a long time.
Holidays seem to bring out that longing for family. We don't get to see some of our family very often and so on holidays, we go to great lengths to be close to our loved ones. Just a few short days can satisfy that longing and fill that empty spot for a little while at least.
I was at a conference recently where one of the speakers reminded us of the concept that each of us has a God-shaped hole in our hearts that only God can fill. But she took it one step further when she asked us if maybe the reverse is true: Does God have a you-shaped hole is His heart that only you can fill?
I'd never thought of that before. Does God have a need to spend time with me? Does He long to share a few special moments with me when He can let me know how much He loves me? Does He want to have a time of fellowship with me - one that might satisfy His desire for us to be close?
During this holiday season, while we're all making plans to find that right gift and to have that special family celebration, let's not forget to include our heavenly Father in those plans. Let's give Him something He longs for: our hearts. We'll both come away enriched and satisfied.
Holidays: holy days, days set apart, set apart for the Holy One.
Happy Holidays!
Patrice
Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)
Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;
He rises to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for Him.
Holidays seem to bring out that longing for family. We don't get to see some of our family very often and so on holidays, we go to great lengths to be close to our loved ones. Just a few short days can satisfy that longing and fill that empty spot for a little while at least.
I was at a conference recently where one of the speakers reminded us of the concept that each of us has a God-shaped hole in our hearts that only God can fill. But she took it one step further when she asked us if maybe the reverse is true: Does God have a you-shaped hole is His heart that only you can fill?
I'd never thought of that before. Does God have a need to spend time with me? Does He long to share a few special moments with me when He can let me know how much He loves me? Does He want to have a time of fellowship with me - one that might satisfy His desire for us to be close?
During this holiday season, while we're all making plans to find that right gift and to have that special family celebration, let's not forget to include our heavenly Father in those plans. Let's give Him something He longs for: our hearts. We'll both come away enriched and satisfied.
Holidays: holy days, days set apart, set apart for the Holy One.
Happy Holidays!
Patrice
Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)
Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;
He rises to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for Him.
Comments
The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
...And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right
hand and says to you,
Do not fear; I will help you.
Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you