I have had the privilege of being a part of the Vineyard movement of churches since it began in the early 80s. I was recently reading a small volume that chronicled those early days of humble beginnings as a home bible study. The single characteristic that stands out to me, that has been a part of every great movement in Christian history, is that these people were hungry, so desperate to know God, love God, have more of God in their world. Knowing at a heart level how desperately we need the presence and power of God is foundational to the life of a church or renewal of a nation.
Isaiah 26:9 My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.
This verse, from the writings of Isaiah the prophet, is actually a part of song that was written that Isaiah prophesied would be the heart cry of God’s people “In that day” or the day of the Lord. As Christians, we now believe we live in those days. While the final day has not yet come, the Kingdom of God has broken in through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The heart cry of His people is for more of Him!
Are you desperate, yearning for more of God? I wish I could say that I am. However, I do see Him moving in my heart. My heart is breaking, growing in passion for more of Him. Desperation is a manifestation of the anguish we see as the truth about our lives, our world, comes upon us. Desperation comes as we see our need for the truth, love, power, hope of God in our world. You can see the true state of your heart by simply examining what you do. Where do you spend your free time? What do you pursue with your free time and energy? Oh that God would make me, make us, truly desperate for Him.
The great joy of this truth is that God is both the need and the solution to our situation. If we lack desire for Him, He will give it. Are you willing to see the truth about your need for Him? Ask Him to show you! Then, ask Him to make you truly desperate for what is good, true, loving, holy and real.
Oh, Dear Jesus, I confess I need you to change my heart! Please, fill me, show me, make me hungry, desperate for more of you!
Psalm 142:5-6 I cry to you, LORD; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” 6 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.