When It Feels Like Something Is MissingSýnishorn

Day 2: Longing for Something

Yesterday, we acknowledged the tension between our plans, our longings, and the realities of our lives. In this struggle with the future, we often forget to pause and ask, “What is motivating this struggle with the future in the first place?” We are all drawn towards something or by something; let’s take a moment to consider what these guiding forces are in our wrestle with the future, knowing that God is there to provide guidance and support.

As part of God’s creation, we have an innate desire to be connected with home, a sense of belonging, and a feeling of rest and safety. But often, our struggle with the future is rooted in our desire to find that peace in places God never intended. We work hard to find our home and belonging in relationships, work, achievement, or even financial security, so much so that we end up struggling with these good things because they’re not fully able to fulfill our longings. As a result, we end up stressed, burnt out, disappointed, or even fearful of the future.

The scriptures often give language to our wrestle with the future by describing the instincts and longings that animals have for food, rest, and shelter. Psalm 42 describes a deer panting for water as an analogy for the soul thirsting for something more. A little later in the book of Psalms, the author describes a bird finding her nest in the same way the soul searches for home and safety. These word pictures give us a glimpse into the source and purpose of our longings. What if our longings are given by God to help us connect with God?

Reflection: Today, let’s pause and consider these questions: What is motivating this wrestle with the future in the first place? Have we placed unrealistic expectations on things and achievements to fulfill our longings for peace, home, rest, and belonging? How do our longings help us understand who God is and what He wants for us?