Experiencing God's Presence #319

Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.

Psalm 73:25

Religious teachers from all religions throughout the centuries, including Christianity, have looked down on desire as an unspiritual attitude. In Buddhism, it’s the root of all suffering; in some Islamic and Christian teaching, it has often been considered the root of sin. Perhaps desire is held in such contempt because human nature points it in so many wrong directions. But good desire—the deep and true longing of the heart—is a God-given attribute designed to lead to fulfillment. When we turn our longings in the right direction, God satisfies them with Himself.

Jesus told His disciples to seek first the Kingdom of Heaven, and all their other concerns would be taken care of (Matthew 6:33). That’s because we were designed to love Him above all else, and life doesn’t work well if we don’t get that right. His purpose is relationship. That’s the driving force behind creation. God loves to be longed for and delights in those who delight in Him. The attitude of the psalmist is music to His ears.

Let this verse be a personal statement of desire. You can have meticulously correct doctrinal beliefs and strong faith, but if a longing for God doesn’t drive you, you’ve missed His heart. That would be tragic—for Him and for you. The God who is love and who says His name is Jealous wants your passion above all else. He has the works of many servants and the thoughts of many theologians, but He doesn’t have the hearts of many lovers. Not fully. Be one of those whose desire connects with His.

Lord, I know You want my passion more than You want my doctrine, my understanding, my obedience, or even my faith. I realize these things are related, and You really want them all. But above all else, You want my love. I really do desire You more than anything on earth.

From the book