There Must Be More Than This

We should be thankful for the stories of holy men and women who have gone before us. One reason is that they have walked the same path as we are walking. They have sought the same God, desired the same beauty. Today I am thankful that they have gotten further in the pursuit than I have. Even as we pressed into prayer this morning, pleading for God to send his presence, I felt that we were still outside the gate so to speak. There is a sense of the Holy Spirit in our midst. But the reality of that presence still feels veiled.

I have had a picture recently that we are like candle sticks and the Holy Spirit is the flame. The fuel for his presence, the wax of our candle stick, is need or desire. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced extreme need. I’ve wanted things very badly. I’ve lusted after things. But what have I ever needed that was not provided in a reasonable amount of time?

I love seeking the presence of God. But I want to need it. In fact, I need to need it. I know that there must be an unquenchable thirst in my spirit for God to provide a suitable dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.
I have spent so much time and effort in ensuring that I and my family will not be in need in the natural. None of us want to realize that there is no food and no money to purchase any. And yet that is the state of our spirit before God. We need His touch and, of ourselves, we cannot get it. We need Him. I know this, but I do not understand it.

I am hopeful that I will develop more spiritual need. It is those ancient stories of those who have gone before which encourage me. Moses was nearly one-hundred years old when he prostrated himself before the Lord for forty days on behalf of the people of Israel. That’s what need looks like. But, he dressed like an Egyptian until he was 40. The Lord knows how to prepare each one of our hearts.

Seek His Face Always