Have you been longing to see someone? I’ve craved to be face-to-face once again with my son and daughter-in-love. The endurance it takes to patiently wait for the reunion is challenging.

Since they moved out of state our visits are few throughout the year. Therefore, it’s necessary to guard my heart from becoming depressed and fixated on the life I miss out on, due to the miles that separate us. I covet the phone calls and technology that allows us to see one another. It is sufficient for a while, however, there comes a strong yearning to be in their physical presence from time to time.

As I write this I know in my heart it’s time to plan a visit so I did! Not because there was a special occasion to prompt me, but because I simply wanted to be with them. It was then that my guarded heart let its protection down for a moment, and involuntary tears came as my heart expressed a joy that’s difficult to explain here.

Do you know the longing I speak of?

Maybe for you it’s to:

  • Reunite with a loved one in heaven.
  • Restore a relationship that once thrived.
  • Visit with family you have not seen in years.
  • Be rejoined with your sweetheart who has been away.

Whatever the longing looks like for you, know that you are not alone.

I’m mindful that while we may find comfort, fulfillment, and relief gathering with precious ones, our soul’s deepest longing is only quenched when we are in fellowship with the Lord.

Do you have a deep yearning for the Lord more than you have for your loved ones?

I ask because when our souls are satisfied in the Lord, we are able to bear the burden that comes with separation from treasured ones.

When we seek the Lord with all our hearts He will be found (Jeremiah 29:13-14), and He will give us the desires of our hearts (Psalms 37:4).

As we struggle with missing someone we love, God says to cast our cares on Him, because He cares about us (1 Peter 5:7). He desires for you and me to go to Him so He may give us rest from the burden we carry (Matthew 28:11).

As I miss my son and daughter-in-love I can proclaim as David did in Psalms 63:3-5:

Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You. So, I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.

I’m able to proclaim the above because I experience the fullness of joy in His presence (Psalm 16:11).

Let’s not be so focused on missing our precious ones that we miss God in the present. Instead, recognize that God is currently with us desiring fellowship. Through that fellowship, He will strengthen us as we wait for what our hearts long for.

As our soul’s deepest longing is satisfied through our intimacy with God, our hope will be renewed and the pain that comes with the yearning will ease.

Craving to be with those I care most about is not a new ache in my heart. It is one that caused me to seek the Lord years ago in hopes to find comfort. In doing so, He has been faithful to meet with me, love me, and minister to me through His word and presence. I desire this for you, as well.

While there are some that do not know if a reunion will ever be possible, I know that God is able to place a healing salve on your broken heart, as He has mine. I invite you to be willing to be vulnerable before the Lord. Allow Him space He desires to meet your deepest longing. Spend time with Him today and be strengthened.