Longings

Do you ever long for something? To be noticed? To be loved? To be well? To be rich? To be wise? For time off? For a true friend? For life to be simple again? (Wow! I think this list could get long.)

Usually a personal longing indicates that something is missing from our lives. There is another level of longing. I’ll call it community longing. It’s a longing that forms in us for the world around us. A longing for something that we can feel way down deep.

Maybe I can best describe it with “If Onlies”. If only the single mother next door could get her nurse’s training. If only that region of Africa had better farming techniques. If only more people cared about recycling. If only there was a place for our youth to go. If only ….. You get the picture.

“If Onlies” of the community type probably need an “I” added to them. If you’re thinking, “If only more businessmen would invest in our community”, try asking, “How could I invest in our community so that others would get interested?”. Longing on a community level may indicate that you are hearing the “call” of God. His Spirit stirring in your uniquely designed spirit to accomplish something He also longs for.

The Apostle Paul reveals his unique longings in several of his letters. One, in his letter to the Galatians, I deeply resonate with. “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you”. (The Bible, Galatians 4:19 NIV).

I realize that I long for Christ to be formed in each one of you in the way that His Spirit knows you have been designed to bring God’s will to pass in this world.

What kind of community longings do you have? What is God’s Spirit stirring your spirit with? That’s where your unique flame of faith will rise up if you fan it. Sit quietly in God’s presence with your longings. Let Him speak faith into them. Share them with a few of the encouraging people in your life.

God is bringing His Kingdom to earth through you.