Birthday? Which one is it?

As the deer pants [longingly] for the water brooks,
So my soul pants [longingly] for You, O God.
My soul (my life, my inner self) thirsts for God, for the living God.
When will I come and see the face of God? Psalm 42:1-2 AMP

The older I get … the more I understand this … feeling and longing. Is there anything else that really can satisfy our soul? We were made to be with Him. We were made to be His companions. We were made to be His friends. And yet … here and now we are to be in a place of separation from His direct heavenly Presence. This earth needs to be remade – and in His plan that change is coming. He is planning our reunion! OH… glorious DAY!!! My realization of that ‘need’ grows each year I remain here. I also know each day I remain here – I’m here for a purpose. This purpose of mine is explained in my favorite letter from Paul to the Philippians.

For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live] and to die is gain [for I will be with Him in eternity]. If, however, it is to be life here and I am to go on living, this will mean useful and productive service for me; so I do not know which to choose [if I am given that choice]. But I am hard-pressed between the two. I have the desire to leave [this world] and be with Christ, for that is far, far better; yet to remain in my body is more necessary and essential for your sake. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your rejoicing for me may overflow in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. Philippians 1:21-26 AMP

So understanding this … I’ve learned that there are ‘divine appointments’ set for me every day by the Holy Spirit. The challenge for me is to recognize them and live into them fully. To be obedient and listening to His instructions as I recognize these ‘appointments’ to do and say, and pray, what He asks of me in those moments. Isn’t this the life of actually ‘walking’ with Him? Is He really taking the ‘lead’ in my life? Am I expecting Him to ‘follow’ me? Perspective is important. Which is more important? Mine or His?

How many ‘birthdays’ will we experience? One coming into this existence. One coming into spiritual alignment with Jesus in the ‘new birth’ (John 3:1-3). Another one coming into the final ‘change’. Oh to be with Him … finally, fully, and eternally!

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

I know with each passing year I pine more and more for this next type of ‘birthday’ He has in store for me / us!

Father …I love YOU! Jesus I long to be with YOU! Holy Spirit … keep me ‘sealed’ and make me ready for the change YOU have for me. Teach me Holy Spirit. I want to be like Jesus. Lord… I long to be with YOU! Help me to utilize what YOU have given me …to honor YOU! YOU are my purpose!