Desire

We all have desires, right?  Other words we may commonly use to describe those desires are our hopes, dreams, longings, needs, and even fancy.  When we bring those asks before Jesus, what does He hear?  When my desires are so great that it consumes me, what is He thinking about my requests?  We’re praying, “If only you will answer my prayers, I promise I will…”  You fill in the blank.   Or “Hello, it’s me again – Are you even listening?”  But these interactions need to go  both ways.  Have you ever thought about what Jesus is longing for from you and me?  My thoughts are replaced with the question, “Am I so selfish a follower and believer that I am the only one that deserves to be satisfied?” 

God sent his only Son in human form to communicate His desires for us.  So that’s really flipping the table, isn’t it?  This is the time, during these 40 days of Lent, that our thoughts should turn to reflecting on all His gifts, and recognizing our relationship is a two-way street.  We can’t just do the asking.   This week let’s take the time to make a list of our desires that we take before Him every day.  I’ll write mine down also, but let’s keep it to the top five.  When you’ve completed your list, now let’s imagine Jesus answering every one of our desires exactly the way and in the timing WE envision.  How much better would our life be if those concerns and desires were taken care of with the snap of His fingers or as soon as the words leave our lips?  Or would it be better?  Wouldn’t we continue to just add to or replace those with other needs the next time?  Our need to have everything go smoothly never ends, and yet Jesus listens and expects nothing in return but our love.

We get upset or frustrated and even turn away or give up when we feel Jesus isn’t listening to our many asks without once picturing Him patiently waiting for us to respond generously to His asks.  I am humbled when I visualize myself present in this scenario and a little fearful too of my selfishness.  Who am I to expect Him to pay attention to all my needs, when many times I don’t choose to listen and fulfill His?

So, my prayer for this 2^nd week of Lent is, “Lord, help me listen and act on your desires for me.  I trust you to answer my prayers exactly in the way you know best.  Help me to accept your will in all things, great and small, and to truly be worthy I with you on this journey of life.  My only DESIRE is for my love for you to increase every day and follow you all the days of my life.”  Amen

“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”  1 John2:17