Yearning is defined as “an intense longing for something.” I have been through a lot in my life, and God has always helped me walk through all my hardships. I love our Lord and follow Him and worship Him, but do I “yearn” for Him?
Two years ago, I felt I needed something in my life, so I started taking inventory. I have a wonderful husband, four beautiful “his, mine, and ours” children, four grandchildren, a warm home, and food to eat…plus, I love the Lord. So I had everything, correct? It did not seem that way. My heart felt empty at times.
I am a member of a wonderful, large church, and I love my church. My Sunday school class is close in heart; our preacher preaches the Bible, and I love my women’s missionary group. But something was missing. I was driving to Huntsville one day and listening to a Christian radio station. There was only music playing, but I paid close attention to the words, and I was moved –so much so that I started tearing up and then started crying with sobs. I had to pull over so as not to wreck! At that moment, I yearned to sit right next to Jesus, and I yearned to touch Him, hear Him speak, and feel His loving arms around me. I YEARNED for his unconditional love!
The following Sunday, I told my husband that I was going to early church and Sunday school with him as usual, but since we got out at 10:15, I was going on a search for what I needed in my heart. I had done some research, so I walked into a local non-denominational church with loud music and people wearing very casual clothes. I was welcomed at the door and sat down.
Immediately, I felt the Holy Spirit fill that place! I was YEARNING for the closeness I needed with Christ that I saw in that place. I raised my hands and worshipped with these strangers and cried once again.
I am still a member of my original church and still attend with my husband because I love my fellow members and the traditional worship. But I go to my “second” church afterward and hear the Word from a different perspective where I feel free to say “amen,” “yes, Lord,” and “preach it” out loud. My yearning for a closeness to my Father was found in that place.
Do you YEARN for a relationship with Jesus? Do you yearn for His love? Yearn for his peace? Yearn for His gift of salvation? I know I do, and I found it in going to two churches that both love our Lord and serve Him. Yearn for God!!!
Psalm 42:1. “As a deer pants for water, my soul longs for You”
Jeri Lynn Daniel
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#jerilynndanielblogs
