“I have found that the most important part of living fully in a land of longing is being present enough to remember that God is with us and that we are not alone. . . . But what if the reason that nothing in this world seems like enough is because it isn’t’? It never will be. We could spend the rest of our lives trying to find something that will fulfill us, and we will always come up empty. The truth is that all we really need in life is Jesus.”- Meredith McDaniel
In Chapter 18 of In Want + Plenty, Meredith McDaniel notes that it’s perfectly fine to compile a laundry list of earthly desires and goals. But we must truly believe that only Jesus really matters in this life. Because that eases our urgency to make it all happen ourselves. Furthermore, we don’t need to cover up our deeper ache.
So, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we begin that sweet surrender. Consequently, our old strivings start to lose their grip on us. And when the truth of God’s Word washes over us, Meredith observes, hope halts our heart. As a result, we stop spiraling downward in despair. We remember all that God has done. Furthermore, understand that God transcends the framework of time. That gives us courage to trust Him for what we cannot see ahead.
Above all, whatever our season in life, we experience the nearness of God. The God who meets us right where we are in our wandering and yearning. Also, any one of our small manna moments ends up bringing a smile to our face and makes our heart soar. Because manna moments remind us that God loves us deeply.
In conclusion, Meredith offers this blessing:
“So maybe the way of full life here on earth isn’t so much about reaching the promised land as it is about finding the One who made you and me and is right here with us on the journey. May we rest in knowing he is near and we have all we need with his Holy Spirit dwelling in us. His presence is enough.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses aid you in living fully in a land of longing? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Manna makers – our calling from Jesus”
