Could Our Longings Be Our Greatest Need?
God, Our Father
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us,
that we should be called children of God!” 1 John 3:1 (NIV)
Christ, our Savior
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served,
but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 (NIV)
The Spirit, our Helper
“And I will ask the Father, and
He will give you another advocate to help you
and be with you forever” John 14:16-17 (NIV)
Whether it's 5:30 AM in the summer or later in the fall and winter, I enjoy experiencing a sunrise. Some of my best reflections take place during these quiet times as I greet the day with peace and ponder the things of God. My favorite spot is along a body of water, soaking in the beauty of God’s creation.
Pausing in front of a sunrise, or even a sunset, provides an opportunity to reflect on God’s power, creativity, and character. The picture for today's devotion represents how three elements come together for something beautiful: the water, the sky, and the sun.
This reminds me, the same is true of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit of God. The mystery of the Trinity is complex. One thing that has troubled me about the Trinity is that I have an easier time relating to God the Father and the Holy Spirit than I do Jesus Christ. Knowing what Christ has done for me, I wonder why I find it more difficult to connect with him personally. Coming to earth and dying on the cross, saving me from my sin and providing my way to God. My gosh, Jesus left heaven to come to this broken world! Who does that? Yet I have an easier time relating to Father God and the Holy Spirit. My quiet time reflects this.
Several years ago, between Bible studies, I set out on a journey to become more devoted to Jesus Christ. I set an intention to get to know Jesus on a deeper level, and have a more intimate relationship with Christ. I was a bit embarrassed at the effort it took on my part. It was a special time for me. But even now, I still find it more natural to be drawn to God the Father, my Creator and Provider, and to God the Holy Spirit, my Helper and Counselor.
Today, years after I learned to pursue Jesus better, I realized something and wonder if you can relate. The attributes of the Father and the Spirit were the most absent in my younger life within my family of origin. I didn’t really know my biological earthly father, although I knew who he was. I could never understand why he didn't want to have a relationship with me. I believe this created a deep longing within me. The wisdom and discernment needed for good decision-making and to create a life of devotion to God were never modeled for me. I believe this also created a longing and a pull towards these aspects of God. Ironically, a strong work ethic, becoming resilient, and “saving others” (although that led to some co-dependency) was in fact modeled, expected, and, at times, my way for survival.
Those childhood and young adult longings seem to connect me to the persons of the Trinity in a very personal way. The aspects of God I was drawn to most were recognizable out of my longings.
What if our desire and deepest needs are not so much about what is missing or what we lack but more about who God created us to be and shifting us to be more like Himself?
Do you find yourself more comfortable with some of God’s attributes and the different persons of God? Can you name what your hunger for God is?
Dear Lord, we trust everything we experience can draw us closer to who You are. I believe You desire for us to know You more intimately. Create a deep longing for You as we walk this earth through our trials, joys, and experiences. For You alone Lord are our foundation. We praise You as creator– beautiful, mysterious and complex! We love you and Jesus thank YOU for everything. Amen.
If this devotion has spoken to you, I would love to hear how by leaving a comment below or emailing me tracyarntzen@gmail.com.