Yearning

This morning I've spent some time reflecting on this yearning that is such a part of my earthly journey, and of which I so often write. I talk about it a lot because as long as I live, it will never go away!

I considered Paul's words in Romans 7:18:

"...to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find." 

What a fine wording of the broken and contrite spirit that David describes in Psalm 51! I, too, feel the pain of the desire for good, yet the sinfulness within me. Oh, how we need Christ, and how grateful I am for the counsel and help of the Holy Spirit!

As I studied this morning's selections in The Cloud of Witness, I came across part of a poem by Adelaide Anne Procter (1825-64) entitled "My God, I Thank Thee Who Hast Made." It beautifully spoke to the idea of "sorrowful, yet rejoicing," that I decided to search for the work in its entirety. The last two stanzas, not published in The Cloud, capture my yearning adequately:

"I thank Thee, Lord, that Thou hast kept
     The best in store;
I have enough, yet not too much
     To long for more; 
A yearning for a deeper peace
     Not known before.

I thank Thee, Lord, that here our souls,
     Though amply blest,
Can never find, although they seek,
     A perfect rest--
Nor ever shall, until they lean
     On Jesus' breast!"

May we not cower in the face of earthly longing, but boldly hold the hand of the One Who lovingly takes us through it, refining us. It is scary and magnificent to know Him and be known.