Vol. 17 No. 36 | September 8, 2014
“I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (2 Timothy 1:3-5, NIV)
Paul gives a glimpse into his heart when he admits, “I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.” His words remind me of people who are in one place or a particular situation, doing the best they can with what they have to work with as they let go of hopes and dreams and are forced to live with unfulfilled longings.
I think of the couple who have prayed for a baby for years to no avail. They long to see a new baby so that they may be filled with joy.
I think of the young bride who longs to see her soldier husband come home from the overseas tour.
I think of how the husband longs to be home from his business trip that has kept him away from home all week.
I think of the college student who has worked hard for four years and is now ready to get out into the working world.
I think of the high school senior (and his parents) who has made it to his last semester and thinks he is ready to be on his own, but is not yet actually ready to be on his own.
I think about the business woman who has worked hard, prepared herself and knows she is qualified for the promotion, but is once again being overlooked because she is a woman.
I think about the wife who is giving up on the idea being loved by her husband and experience the family she dreamed about when they married.
I think about the preacher who has given his life to ministry and is now ready to leave the ministry due discouragement and frustration.
Living in a world of unfulfilled longings is not a position to envy. It is frustrating. It is disappointing. It is crushing. Surely Paul must have felt all those things as he penned the words, “I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.”
He knew joy was waiting for him if he could only be with the people he loved. He remembers the joyful sadness when he left them.
So, how do you survive a life of unfulfilled longings? I offer these suggestions.
First, as much as possible, focus on where you are and what you are doing. In other words, stay in the moment. Do not wish your life away. Paul expressed it well when he was writing to another group of believers and longing for the support they were trying to send him,
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:11-12, NIV)
Second, rely on God’s strength and not your own. To that same group Paul said, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, NIV)
Third, remember God will provide for all your needs. Paul concludes his message to the Philippians with these words, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, NIV)
I suppose most all of us will find ourselves dealing with an unfulfilled longing at some point in our lives. That part may be beyond our control. How we handle it is not. These three suggestions will not change your situation, but they will help you endure it and get beyond it.
Tom
© Copyright 2014 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.