When Discipline Meets Desire

     My alarm goes off every weekday morning at 5 AM to remind me to get up and get in the word before I get ready to head to work. For the past year and some odd months I have consistently stuck to my bible reading plan. The discipline is all there- desire on the other hand is the hard part. Doubt, distraction, and depression can hinder the longing to come to GOD's word. What if I have the desire to desire HIS word- does that count for anything? Discipline will bring me to the word, but when habit hits I often end up with the same empty feeling prior to coming to HIS word. Surely, I'm not alone in this. Have you ever wandered what it would be like when discipline met desire? 

     The past couple months have consisted of walking through and enduring a dark valley. There has been much heartache, there has been grief and loss, and there has been a deepening realization of the fall of man. Feeling the weight of your own sin is hard enough, and when you add the grief that comes from the sin of those around you- there. just. aren't. words. This world is in a deep need for CHRIST, and I have felt the weight of that lately. Discipline reminds me that I need to stop in that moment and pray. Desire is what keeps me coming back to pray again. 

    Depression, doubt, and distraction can taint our view of what desire is- at least I can say that statement is true for myself. I want desire to be a feeling of nearness and intimacy with my SAVIOR. Then I remind myself of this truth: "We walk by faith". Faith is not a feeling. We are not saved by our feelings. ALL praise be to GOD we are not saved by our feelings! We are saved by grace through faith. That's when discipline meets desire, and the realization that they go hand in hand comes in. When discipline meets desire they together continuously bring us back to HIS word and to prayer. I'm not saying I have it all figured out now- I don't by any means. I cannot stand before you today and tell you I have the perfect explanation of discipline and desire. This is what I do know surrendering, repentance, and declaring the need for CHRIST has been one of the sweetest gifts to me in this season of my life. When I have felt on overwhelming sense of loss and loneliness I have poured out my heart to GOD! I have pleaded that HE draw near to me giving me a deepening desire for HIM- and HE has been faithful. Fellow Christian, if you’re suffering or down cast with and overwhelming sense of emptiness know that you are not alone. Keep praying, giving thanks in ALL circumstances, because we serve a GOD who will never forsake.  

Much Love, Frances Hope