How often do we hear persons express a longing or strong desire to have something? How often do you crave something so strongly until it seems you can’t live without it? Many times, when we think about longings, we think of sweets, chocolate, fried and spicy foods but what about attention, recognition, validation, healing or peace. Nutritionally speaking, these cravings can be important messages telling us our bodies need attention.

The Bible has many stories about longings/cravings. Such as Leah wanting to be loved like Rachel was. She thought competition and giving her husband many sons will cause him to see (value) her but to no avail. Hannah, even though loved by her husband was ostracize by Peninnah for being barren. She yearned for a son, so she poured out her heart to God and He answered her prayers.

Then there was Joseph’s brothers. They hated him because of his spiritual gift and their father’s love for him. It was obvious that their father loved Joseph more than he loved them. The brothers thought getting rid of Joseph would have solved this issue, but it did not. It only added more grief and had they succeeded in killing him, they would have wiped out their family’s benefactor amidst the famine.

This tells us that not only do our cravings connects to physical needs but emotional and spiritual needs as well. These stories also tell us, that our cravings need to be address promptly, correctly and prayerfully. As this year’s Women’s Ministries Emphasis Day Theme is “Cravings of the Soul,” I ask you, what is your deepest desire? What is your soul longing for today?

Is it comfort, belonging, accolades/achievements, lost souls?

When I thought about this theme, “Cravings of the soul,” True Peace came to mind. We are living in a time where anxiety and fear seem to be the order of the day. Our minds are troubled, our spirits are restless, and our souls are weary. We are trying to do everything. We are trying to fix everything. We even behave like we know everything, yet we are falling short. Painfully short.

We need to do as the song says: “Turn it over to Jesus and everything is gonna be alright.” If we say we believe in God and we trust HIM, then let it show. We have to relinquish control to God. True peace is not just the absence of storms, turmoil or trials but the presence of God. As we occupy until Jesus comes, we will have to face wars, pandemics, cold hearts, disobedience, separation, discord and the likes. And guess what? We still have to be light and salt while we are going through all of this. So don’t lose heart! We have our father God, Our Saviour/Mediator Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit – Our comforter and guide and the Angels of God.

I admonish you today to follow Hannah’s example: Ask
Believe you receive
Live as you rest in HIM.

Encourage yourself in the Lord

Let us long to be perfectly whole – lacking nothing. Only craving the presence of God. May the Lord grant you the desire of your heart to HIS honour and glory.

Nethalee Gibson Rahming,  GEMS Leader, South Andros District