7-Day Devotional: Torn Between Two Worlds – Embracing God’s Gifts Amid Unmet LongingsSample

Day 1: Longing for More

Scripture: Psalm 42:1-2
"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?"

The psalmist captures a powerful image of spiritual longing: a deer desperately searching for water. In our own lives, we often experience a similar thirst, an intense desire for fulfillment and connection with God. Sometimes, life leaves us feeling thirsty for something more, whether it’s for healing, purpose, or peace. These longings can feel overwhelming, especially when our circumstances don’t seem to line up with our desires.

Consider the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1. Hannah longed for a child, a desire that consumed her heart. Yet, year after year, she remained barren. Her longing grew so intense that she poured her heart out to God in prayer, trusting that He would hear her cry. Like Hannah, we may face seasons where our longings seem unmet, but God sees and knows our hearts. In those moments of longing, God invites us to trust Him and to seek Him with all our hearts, knowing He will answer in His perfect time.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, today I come before you with the longings of my heart. Like the psalmist, I thirst for Your presence and Your guidance. Help me to trust that You see my deepest desires and that You are faithful to fulfill them in Your perfect timing. Strengthen my faith as I wait on You, and may I find rest in the knowledge that You are always with me. In Jesus' name, Amen.