“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” Psalm 20:4 ESV
“There is only one problem on which all my existence, my peace, and my happiness depend: to discover myself in discovering God. If I find Him I will find myself, and if I find my true self I will find Him.” Thomas Merton
Very good news: The Father gives us the desires of our hearts. We may think we had the desires first and the Father approved or disapproved our desires. However, when seeking the Father and desiring a relationship with him, all kinds of discoveries will be yours from your youth to old age that you can’t imagine.
Have you wondered how did I get here? I didn’t want this! I didn’t pray for this or work toward this. This is not my desire. I never thought I’d be happy and useful in a rural town. I am. In fact, when my husband and I first moved to our little country town, I cried like a newborn. Because I became a country bumpkin, I acquired horses with giggling grandchildren riding them, a kind and giving community, space with peace, quiet and furry creatures. I thought I was to be a businesswoman juggling phone calls, presentations and staff. I was that too. My Father knew best, as my husband and I tentatively gave up our city life and moved to the land of farms, animals, crickets and endless colorful sunsets.
When you walk in the Spirit, opportunities for growth and discovery about YOU will be yours. It will be a surprise! The good stuff! And lifelong achievements will follow with rewards you can’t imagine. Remember, “The Lord rewards those who seek Him.” The Father will reveal slowly and gently the things to squeeze out from your life and will make room for something much better. Just keep looking up toward Him.
Musings
Achievements are a byproduct and a very good byproduct to gauge our progress. But intimacy with the Father is better because He knows us best and knows where we will be most fruitful now and in eternity “With great joy.” Remember when the Father sees us he will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
Prayer
Dear Father,
How incredible it is to worship You and have an intimate relationship with You that is beyond words! It is by seeking you, knowing you and having a relationship with you that we come to know ourselves. We become authentic, compassionate and joyful servants because of what you reveal in us. We become a bit closer to being like Your Son, Jesus.
Amen.
Prayers and Musings of a Black Sheep 