From Longing to Redemption: A Journey of Faith #FMF

This week’s Five Minute Friday Prompt is LONGING

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What is longing?

Does it have a positive or negative feel?

I guess the answer depends on what is happening in your life.

For instance, a couple longs to start a family. Yet every month, the blood flows, and crushing disappointment overtakes them.

During the cold gray months of winter, we long for spring. Then the sun comes out, and crocuses peek through the snow.

Probably the best-known scripture about longing is the 23rd Psalm:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

The psalmist (probably David) speaks of a close, intimate relationship with God where all of our needs are met. All of us have within our souls the need to commune with our Creator. The painful truth is that far too many people spend their whole lives longing for this type of connection but never find it. Instead of salvation in Christ, they STAY stuck in sinful habits chasing idols that will never supply their needs.

What can you and I do today to lead someone from longing to redemption?