Thursday, June 10, 2010

Lover's Ache

I ache for more than what I possess in this moment. Unsatisfied, I've walked about for some time now. I can hear the faint longings of my spirit cry out in desperation to experience what my natural eyes and ears are not privy to. I grope for these mysteries He has promised to me. The existence I was destined for; the treasures that were placed within me from before time was (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

While reading the words Brother Lawrence penned to a confident, the groan in my spirit was briefly satisfied with a glimmer of hope.

"Experiencing these things (the pleasures of God's continual presence) makes this brother (Lawrence) certain beyond all doubt that God is always in the depth of his soul, no matter what he does or what happens to him. Imagine what contentment and satisfaction he enjoys, possessing such an ever-present treasure! He isn't anxious to find it and doesn't worry about where to look for it, because he has already found it and may take whatever he wants from it. He often calls men blind, complaining that we are content with too little. God has infinite treasures to give us, he says. Why should we be satisfied with a brief moment of worship? With such meager devotion, we restrain the flow of God's abundant grace. If God can find a soul filled with a lively faith, He pours His grace into it in a torrent that, having found an open channel, gushes out exuberantly." (The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence)

The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to be confident in the finished work of the Cross, so that we can enter into that which was won for us there (please read Colossians 1:1-23). When he writes to the church of Ephesus, we learn that our only means of obtaining a lifestyle that is beyond ourselves--one that is abundant and everlasting (John 10:10, 15:16)--is found within Christ Himself, through the spiritual blessings that are in the heavenly realms (see Ephesians 1). Before the foundation of the earth, there was One who was driven by a jealous, burning love that consumed His very being. The uncreated God longed to have a people, a Bride, who voluntarily yearns for His presence (His love), just as He yearns for ours. This is Jesus' inheritance--a spotless Bride--and this is our glory. Our highest privilege is to know His love in an experiential way. Apart from this reality, we have nothing of worth.

Lord, Your beauty surpasses the description of man. Nothing I desire compares with Your majesty. Thank You for this extravagant love that burns within Your heart for Your Bride. Pour out Your Spirit, Jesus. Grant us the grace to experience You in every way that Your heart longs for. You are so worthy of this, and so much more. To you be all the glory forever, and ever.  Amen.