Desire is an important starting point for any relationship. It is the degree of value you place on wanting to know the other person more. Desire for God needs to become a habitual driving force in our relationship.
David had a passionate heart for God. Here is how he expressed his desire:
As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him? (Psalm 42:1,2, NLTSE)
What kind of relationship with God do you have? Is it just an acquaintance relationship — your knowledge of God is superficial and not personal? Is it more of a business relationship — you do something for God and in return expect Him to do something for you? Is it a casual friendship relationship — sometimes you want to be with God, but at other times you want to be left alone? Or is it a passionate relationship like David had — one of reverential intimacy?
How much do you desire God? Don’t ignore this vital habit. Once you have lost your desire for God it is much more difficult to regain it. Unfortunately it is much easier to neglect desire than it is to nurture it. Nurture requires commitment, effort and investment. Desire for God can be measured by how much we invest in the relationship.
How much do you desire God?
Time — How do you spend your time?
- Do you carve out time in your schedule to be with God?
- Do you think about your relationship with God throughout the day?
- Do you read and meditate on God’s words for you?
Energy — What are your efforts focused on?
- Does God get the tired hours of your day or your best hours?
Money — What are you spending your money on?
- Are you willing to spend money on things that will enhance your relationship with God?
- Is making money more important to you than spending time with God?
Reputation — What do others think of you?
- Does your concern about what other people think hinder your relationship with God?
Ask the Holy Spirit to create a growing love within you for God. He can bring revival to your heart. Ask Him to fan the flames of your desire for God and replace a lukewarm attitude with a passionate longing for closeness.