Desperation
Desperation can actually be a blessing. As I think about the times that I've grown the most in the Lord... they are all associated with trials and even pain. The greater the desperation has been, the greater the growth. It was those moments when our backs were against the wall and all earthly means had been exhausted, that we ran to Jesus and clung tightly to the promises of His Word. That's when we saw the greatest manifestations of both His presence and His strong arm of deliverance.
Those seasons taught me that I can trust Him. No night is too dark, no pain too great, nor trial too impossible for Him to reach out with such peace, while I wait for the answers to my prayers. The key always came from where my focus lies. There were times that I remained so focused on the problem, that I could no longer see Jesus before me... soon depression and fear would grip my heart with such force that it threatened to drag me into a pit of despair. Once I realized how far I'd gotten from Jesus and began to cry out to Him... no longer just for the results, but simply out of love and a desperate need for His presence and embrace... my heart would be the first to change, my mind would follow, then the victory was inevitable.
There's a process to peace and answered prayer and it starts with entering His presence, worshipping Him in the midst of the storm and placing our desire on the source of the answer (Jesus) and no longer the results. Yes! Pray a prayer of faith, but let it flow from a place of relationship and love, not just desire and need. He wants to answer all of your prayers, but what He desires most is an intimate relationship with YOU! Though He doesn't cause your pain, He will use it to develop Holy desperation and a passionate pursuit of His presence. Run to Jesus! His arms are open wide and He's waiting for you to cast your cares on Him!
One day you'll find you no longer need to be chased into His arms... Holy desperation will become a lifestyle. It's a place where you no longer pursue Him out of need, but simply because you realize...you can no longer do life without Him!
1 Peter 5:6-11 (NKJV) Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Psalm 31:3-8 (NLT) You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger. Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me, for I find protection in you alone. I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God. I hate those who worship worthless idols. I trust in the Lord. I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place.
Psalm 84:2-4 (TPT) I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God! What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises.
