Desire...

Desire...it's one of those words that when you hear it, you're not quite sure where it's going. It can be something simple, something innocent or even something provocative. There are even numerous scriptures telling us to be careful of our desires.

But this weekend, something brought to mind an old youth group song. I hadn't thought about that song in a long time, but the words of that song I can still recite.

Lord my desire Is to be like you Say the things you say Do you things you do Let me hear your still voice Through all the other noise So I can be Just what you want me to be

When we think of the word desire, how often do we think of the word desire in this context? I admit, for me probably not often. When we think of desire, we generally think of wants. What we want or desire, what appeals to us. The world we live in is constantly telling us to go after whatever we desire, whatever we want. But how often are those desires and wants the same as the desires and wants that God has for us? How often do we even think about what God desires, or about what God's desire is for us?

Our desire should be the same as God's desire for our life. But if we aren't listening to God, how can we know what those desires are. Most of the time God's voice or desires are not going to hit us over the head. Most of the time His voice is a still, quiet voice. Which makes me think of a faint voice, something that's there, but you yourself have to be still and quiet to hear. Just because the voice isn't loud doesn't mean it's not powerful. The wind is generally pretty quiet, relatively speaking of course. But the wind is also one of the most powerful forces on this earth.

If we're not careful we can let ourselves get comfortable. And to me, comfortable is not a place to be with God. Comfortable may mean we've lost our fire. Comfortable may mean we are no longer searching. Comfortable may mean we don't want anything to change. We are happy just the way things are. For me, you cannot let your relationship with God get comfortable. You can take comfort in that relationship, but that relationship is always changing and growing and becoming more and more exciting. And to me that just doesn't sound like comfortable; it sounds like a wonderful adventure!

If our desire is to truly be like God, to say the things He says and do the things He does; and if we want to hear His voice through all the other noise, we have to spend time with God. We have to spend time in prayer, we have to spend time in the word, and we have to spend time in worship. We sometimes have to just be still and let the overwhelming presence of God surround us. Take comfort in the presence of God, but don't get so comfortable that you miss out on all the excitement, adventure and blessings God has in store for you if you just listen and become a part of what God desires for your life.

Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws,
we wait for you; your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts.
Isaiah 26:8

Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10a

Blessings!

After the Rush

This weekend was a great weekend. Chris and I put about 550 miles on our bikes and the weather was perfect. Never a drop of rain, cool wind blowing, perfect riding weather.

I love the rides we take. While we have headsets so we can communicate with each other, there are also many times when we will ride for miles and never say a word. It's such a great time for reflection, a great time for enjoying the wonders of God and a great time for not only talking to God but for listening to God.

Today on the way home was no different. We were riding along just enjoying the quiet time with God and a thought struck me. We were riding on a 2 lane road and had several diesel trucks pass by us. That happens all the time but what struck me this time was what happened after they drove by. You would think that as they passed you would feel blown around. But today I noticed, it wasn't when they were driving by that I felt the rush of wind, it was actually after they passed by. It may always happen that way but I've never noticed it before. I asked Chris if he felt the same thing and he did.

As I thought about how weird that was, I began to think that sometimes God passes through my life in the same way. While there are times that He is obviously there, there are other times when I think he just blows right by; or at least seems too. I've learned that what I don't always realize is, it's not the moment God rushes by that he's trying to get my attention; sometimes, that initial rush is just a prelude to let me know that something else is coming. I wonder how many times I miss what God is really trying to show me. I wonder how many times God does something that seems to come out of nowhere and I'm so busy saying what was that, that I miss what comes after the initial rush.

I believe that sometimes God sends us those "what was that" type of moments to warn us that something greater is coming. We may not have any clue what it is, but God is trying to get our attention so we don't miss what comes after the rush. God is always working in our lives. And while we may not always understand what or why things happen, God is always working and I believe that sometimes what comes after the rush is the best part of what God has to offer. And I for one don't want to miss it!!

But those who hope in the LORD will renew
their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
They will run and not grow weary, They will
walk on not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Blessings!!