What do you burn for?
Recently I heard that questioned asked and felt it was timely in many ways.
You see, each one of us (whether we believe it or not), have a godly purpose for our existence here. Too many times we equate what we do for a living; our vocation as our purpose. And unfortunately, we also find our identities in what we do rather than who God says we are. We don’t know ourselves and so our vocations become identity.
But what do you burn for?
What is that God-given passion that your life could not live without?
To some it may be victory in Christ. Others may say their burning for Justice, Holiness, Unity, etc. All are godly pursuits that shape how we see things and what we desire to happen in our lives, as well as the lives we impact.
What do you burn for?
When I heard that question asked, I knew immediately the One Thing I would not survive without. It isn’t music or creativity. It isn’t writing orministering to people even. Those are all things I do, but not the burning desire of my spirit.
His Presence is what I burn for. His presence – the one thing I could not live without. For it is the very Presence of God that provides all I need… answers to hard questions; peace in the midst of turmoil; joy in and instead of sorrow. It does not negate the trials and challenges, but the Presence of God lifts me above these things and gives me holy perspective. His Presence is wells of living water springing forth, bringing life and light, refreshing, and revelation.
So, I burn for God’s presence in every sphere of my life. It is the thing I desire to see in others, knowing every other thing can and will fall into place. The beauty of this is this: God desires it too.
He does not withdraw Himself from us. He doesn’t play hide-and-seek with us. He isn’t the one who moves, hides, is fearful, etc – we are.
He says, “Never will I leave you or forsake you.”
He says, “In My presence is fullness of joy.”
He says, “My peace I give to you.”
How do we enter into His presence? You are actually already there. God is All in All! The better question is this: How do I awaken to His presence?
Many would say church attendance. Many would say praying all the time. Others would suggest worshiping Him with singing. And others might say it happens through reading the Bible. All of those things are good and helpful indeed, but one thing is so very important. Jesus spoke of this one thing to Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus.
Martha was busy busy, but Mary sat at his feet. She was enjoying Presence.
Be still and know I Am God!
I believe we do need to carve out dedicated time to Be in God’s presence… To still our minds and quiet our hearts. To focus on God instead of our issues. To gaze upon Him, instead of peering upon ourselves. To be silent in His presence, asking Him to reveal His heart and His ways rather than giving Him a list of to-dos.
“One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord (his presence) All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple.” Psalm 27:4.
Father God – may my life be Your habitation and my heart Your home. As i still myself in Your presence God, awaken the eyes of my understanding and the ears of my heart to know You more and more; to be ever aware of Your awesome presence! Amen!!
What do you burn for?