As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God? (Ps. 42:1-2)
Oh Lord, You are my greatest longing! Your goodness and love overwhelm me day by day, and yet I struggle to keep my eyes on the Lover of my soul. Forgive my scattered mind and divided heart. Help me to soar above the distractions of life. I know You are always with me, but I am not always listening to your voice. Forgive me. Make my ears ever sensitive to hear. I know You put people in my path for a reason, so help me to seek your purposes rather than my own in every conversation and interaction.
Let me show the world the same love and grace You have shown me. I can’t imagine a life without You—it would not be life at all! You have transformed my life—transferred me from the darkness and brought me into your marvelous light (Col.1:13). You have held me in times of despair and traded your strength for my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). I bring you nothing, and You give me everything (Rom. 8:32). I wasted so many years knowing You from a distance. I gave you lip service, but did not surrender all, and You allowed me to reap what I had sown. Yet, You were also merciful! You met me in my misery. Thank You!
There just aren’t words… I owe You all that I am, and that is certainly nothing compared to what You have given me. I ask You to let me live with passion—don’t let this dreary world obscure the amazing beauty You pour on me daily. “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us” (2: Cor. 4:6-7). Thank You that You can use this cracked jar of clay. The cracks from damage of life can be made beautiful for your kingdom. I think about that carved clay candle holder I bought in Costa Rica. It’s nice enough unlit, but when the light shines through it is captivating. It’s the light that makes it, and the same is true with me. Please help me to shine for You. Amen
Dear Child, you are mine. I have called you by name and love you with an everlasting love (Is. 43:1, Jer. 31:3). Share my love with others. You can be confident that I have heard your prayer, and because you are praying according to my will, I will answer (1 Jn. 5:14-15). I delight in those who desire to do my will, and I will bring you relief and peace as you continue to seek my face (Ps. 18:19). I have good plans for you, my child. Rest in that knowledge, and choose the “better” and eternal things as you go (Lk. 10:42, 2 Cor. 4:18). Seek my face more than anything else. You are seeking many things, and are easily distracted, but if you seek Me and my kingdom first, I will give you the other things you need and desire. Delight yourself in Me, and I will give you the desires of your heart (Ps.37:4).
Running after earthly treasures is counterproductive. Even if you attain the things you seek, you will find no satisfaction if I am not first in your life. Think of that thirsty deer longing for a stream of water. His first priority is to find water, knows he will perish without it, and is not easily diverted on the way. You must understand that your need for me is even greater, so do not allow yourself to be distracted by things of lesser importance. I see your needs, and I will provide. Yes, you have responsibilities, but if you seek Me first, I will order your day in a way that makes it easier to fulfill them. Come to the waters; drink deeply before you embark on your day. I stand ready to help you and empower you. I desire to shine through you, and will surely do it as you seek Me with all your heart.