The Desires of Your Heart: Where Are They Leading You? Have You Left Them Behind? Part 1

Author : Judy Peterson

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." Prov.13:12
It is interesting that in our culture, whether Christian or secular, when speaking about our "work" or interests we refer to our "heart" in many different ways. Some examples: "My heart just wasn't in what I was doing." Or, "I did it half-heartedly." Or, "I finally found something I could do with my whole heart--- my heart passions are to be a teacher, to be a social worker, to be a doctor, to be a writer, and so on."When speaking about our dreams we are apt to say: "I would like to follow my heart desires, but I am too busy just surviving." Or, "I have never found the joy and satisfaction I wanted because I have always done what others expected of me." Or, "I never knew exactly what I wanted to do."Where Do You Stand?
I don't know how you would describe yourself when it comes to these issues, and on which side of the scale you would find yourself. Have you been following dreams and interests that involve your deepest heart passions? Or, have you not been aware of what those passions are and never have had time to find out or pursue them? Maybe you are fortunate in that you have followed your heart and found meaningful activities and helpful service that benefits others. If so, congratulations! Did God have some surprises for you?For purposes of this article, I am going to assume that you, like many others and yes, including myself, could always use an extra boost and encouragement when it comes to listening to your desires and doing something about them. It is especially important not to lose sight of what matters to you. Even more important is to continue to bring your heart's desires with you on life's journey, and not abandon them. It is said that most do not! They settle for just "getting by" and commit soul-suicide!Get In Touch With Your Deepest Longings
In the October, 2005, article, Taking a Fresh Look, we talked about finding the desires that God has planted within us as a way of finding the purposes for our life. They are the map or guide we have been given to find and fulfill God's dream for our lives. This article is written to encourage any who are getting in touch with their heart longings to realize again that God has given them to you for a reason. These "longings" will show you the "work" that is waiting for you, and how you can serve God and others.Now is the time to get serious about connecting or re-connecting with your heart motivations and to ask God to show you what can be done with them. His guidance will usually start as a seed idea or vision within, rather than from external circumstances.Look for that seed desire. Ask that it be planted and watered accordingly. It can
draw you to the place you need to go. We are told to ask, seek, and knock: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." (Mt. 7:7)
These words take you back to your heart desires and promise to satisfy that hunger within.Dare to Dream
Now is also the time to DREAM and to put circumstances aside. If God has a dream for you, your responsibility is to step out in faith and claim it. (Even in its embryonic stage.) Let Him tend to the details--- they will be more than you can handle anyway. Unless you prefer to carry your own burdens and call your own shots. (This is very easy for us all to do.)The price for not finding the dream that can carry out your deep desires or use the talents you have been given is too high. When life blocks that pattern, depression can be the result, not to mention also leaving undone the things that God could have for you to do.Take the step today of daring to dream and daring to find out what dream could be waiting for you. What is it that you want? Is it a more satisfying life or fuller use of the abilities you have been given? Is it having a sense of purpose? Is it to be in position of providing something that can be of benefit to those around you? Have you traded that off for a life of little risk, comfort zones, and perceived "security"? What you might have gained in return is a life of mediocrity and lacking meaning. "I am come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (Jn.10:10) May you find the abundant life God wants for you and not settle for anything less.Happy dream journey,Judy Peterson©Copyright 2006 - Judy Peterson. All Rights Reserved.You are free to re-print this article or forward it to someone else as long as you include the following resource box at the end and as long as you link to the URL mentioned in the resource box.Through life stories, practical help, and inspirational guidance, author and speaker, Judy Peterson helps others identify a God-given dream or passion and pursue their life purpose. This is based on her experience as a businesswoman and on her book, Follow Your Heart and Discover God's Dream For You. Please visit http://www.followyourheart.info.Unless otherwise specified, the New International Version (NIV) is used for all biblical verses.This publication is registered with the Library of Congress in Washington, DC - ISSN 1551-5907.
Keyword : Heart's desire, life purpose, follow your heart, find your dream, Judy Peterson, dare to dream