What do you want...really? How can you satisfy longings in a way that is restorative and without regret? The human heart yearns deeply for fulfillment. Our desires, at the core, are multifaceted, good, and God-given. However, the ways we try to fulfill them can be destructive. Here are a few of the 'holy-longings' described in the Bible.
Unending Love
A selfless, trustworthy, accepting love from someone who is
faithful and helpful.
John 15:12-13
Unity in Diversity
Some means by which we can live unified with those who
differ from us.
Ephesians 2:14
Connection
To know and be known, from face-to-face dialogue to the proliferation
of technical gadgetry, we want to speak and be spoken to.
Genesis 2:18
Causal Community
Relationships that are significant and earnest, revolving
around something larger than our individual lives.
Acts 2:44-47
Humility
Accepting others and ourselves in a way that allows us to
pour ourselves out for the benefit and well being of those around us.
Philippians 2:3-4
Peace
A harmony that that puts an end to cruelty, abuse, and painful tears.
John 16:33
These longings are by design and holy. They reflect the
character of God and define what it means to be created in His image.
Unfortunately, our longings are tainted by our fallen condition. There is a name for sin-stained longings: lust. Our lusts refract the beautiful light of God and distort
His image in our lives. Lusts find expression in using others. These dark longings drive all the destructive actions of humanity. Holy longings, on the other hand, fulfilled in God-honoring ways, bless others, including the One who made us.
It is through an on-going relationship with Jesus
Christ, being led and empowered by the Teaching Spirit of God, that I become restored to the place of truthful communication, unreserved love, causal
community, humble service, peaceful interaction, and unified diversity. I believe access to Jesus (and this kind of restoration) is just a prayer away from all people, no matter what they have done, or what has been done to them.
Supplication:
Fill and empower us to always be fulfilling our longings in a way that restores our lives and your world to goodness. Let not our longings be stained by sin to become lusts. Help us yield our everyday lives to you. In the good name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Fill and empower us to always be fulfilling our longings in a way that restores our lives and your world to goodness. Let not our longings be stained by sin to become lusts. Help us yield our everyday lives to you. In the good name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
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