The Most Forgotten Feeling: Longing
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About seven years ago, I was in my usual place of morning reflection and time with God, and I was reading a book on spiritual formation; the topic of longing came up. I sat in my chair, thinking about this word—longing. What does it mean? Why haven’t I given it any thought? A longing is a yearning desire. Its synonyms are pining, craving, thirst, itch, urge, need, and zeal.
Ruth Haley Barton wrote this in her book, Sacred Rhythms, “When was the last time you felt it—your own longing that is? Your longing for love, your longing for God, your longing to live your life as it is meant to be lived in God? When was the last time you felt a longing for healing and fundamental change groaning in you?”
As I sat with this thoughts, the tears poured out. I’d been too busy, too fragmented, too focused on the daily demands of a large family and ministering beside my husband in the church. I was exhausted physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I knew there was more to life. I longed for deeper connection with God, more impact on reaching others for Christ, and the desire to do something significant with my life.
As I sat there in God’s Presence, I recognized my longings were never given a place to grow. I pushed them aside, buried them, and suffocated them with my constant motion. Was it because deep inside I didn’t think they would happen? Had disappointment made me a little jaded? Was it easier not to address my longing? Had I learned to settle?
In those moments of quiet reflecting about my longings, I felt God’s love overwhelm me. Perhaps that’s why it was such a profound turning point for me in many ways. He already knew this longing in me, which I had buried. He didn’t find it selfish or insignificant. He was waiting to be a part of my longing. I felt safe, accepted, and seen. How beautiful is that?
It still overwhelms me today as I write about it because I know God has so much more for me as I invite Him to my longings. I want to love Him more, trust Him more, obey Him more. I want my life transformed by God, and my motives to be pure. I want to grow and be aware of His activity in my life, not because I’m supposed to, but because of His great love for me and my love for Him.
Have you ever thought about your longings? Are you brave enough to invite God to sit with you in your longing? Here’s some things to help you understand longing.
God created longing to draw us to Himself. His greatest desire is connection with you. It doesn’t matter where you’re at. If you love Him, despise Him, or are indifferent, He longs for you.
Longing isn’t about selfish ambition. It’s the opposite. It’s about surrendering to God and inviting Him to transform us.
Our longings are often connected to our gifting. It’s good to ask God, “what was I created for, and how do you want me to live out Your purposes for my life?” It’s good to ask, “In my everyday, ordinary, how can I serve You best based on the talents and abilities you’ve given me?” It could be in the home, in the marketplace, or the church.
Spiritual formation often begins with longing. It’s the place where we say, “I want to grow in my relationship with God.”
Take a few moments soon and get alone with God and talk about your longings. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed. He knows exactly what they are, and He’s ready and willing to talk to you about it. You’ll be surprised by what He might show you. Be Encouraged!
Here’s a free resource to help you process feelings with God. Just click on the image below.
Next month on the blog we’ll be talking about marriage. I’ll start with my parents powerful testimony of God’s restoration in their marriage.
