What We All Long For & How to Find It

Have you read through the comments on a controversial Facebook post? (If you haven’t, I don’t recommend it.)

It’s like the junior high cafeteria. Everyone’s vying for a place where their voice is heard and respected by the most people. And if you get in their way, they have no problem teasing you about your braces or unruly bangs.

Feelings are hurt. Pride is damaged. Egos are fluffed. And lurkers, like me, are simultaneously terrified, amused, and righteously indignant about those “sinful” commenter’s behavior.

Ah, yes, the comment section. It’s quite the reminder that we are all a bunch of broken people, who are longing for the same things.

And what are those universal longings?

What Every Person Longs For. . .

Being Seen & Accepted

Do you see me? I mean really see me as me. And am I good enough to be accepted into your group? Would you notice if I was gone?

Being Appreciated

Not only do you see me, but do you appreciate my contribution? Is it enough? And if so, will you tell me?

Being Loved

Do you love me — and not that kind of love that’s casually thrown around? I know you love Target and coffee and comfy pants. But what about unconditional — I don’t care what you look like, what you’ve done or will do, or what you can give me — love? Do you love me like that?

How to Have Your Longings Met

It’s tempting to look for something in this world to fill these holes in our souls. It’s why there are drug and food addictions, broken relationships, and a million infomercials to be better.

But people will constantly disappoint us, the high will never last, and we will never look or be good enough to silence the deepest need in our hearts.

And it’s not your fault. You aren’t capable — you weren’t made to be capable — of filling it on your own.

These longings can only be met by God.

• It’s only God, who never leaves you — who never takes his eyes off of you. (Hebrews 13:5)
• It’s only God, who gives you his Spirit to help you, to lead you, to intercede for you. (1 Corinthians 2:12)
• It’s only God, who gave his one and only Son for you. (John 3:16)
• It’s only God, whose love is unwavering, forever and ever. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

There’s nothing you have to do but to believe in him — to have faith.

So, friend, let’s stop searching for what the world can never give us. It could never truly satisfy, anyway. Instead, let’s renew our faith and daily seek the face of our Savior.

And when we see our neighbor struggling to fill the longings in their soul, let’s see it for what it is. And whether they are a believer or not, let’s get on our knees and lift them up to the only One who can set them free. (Yes, this means those obnoxious Facebook commentators, too.)

How do you try to find your worth and fill the void in your heart?