Searching Our Appetites

I recently finished reading the book of Job. I was struck by the beauty of its poetry, the depth of its wisdom, its messianic foreshadowing, and its personal applications. But one passage in particular deeply impacted me. Amid severe physical, emotional, and spiritual distress, Job declares:

“I know that my redeemer lives,   and that in the end he will stand on the earth.   And after my skin has been destroyed,   yet in my flesh I will see God;   I myself will see him   with my own eyes—I, and not another.   How my heart yearns within me!”   — Job 19:25–27  

Scholars have long debated the theological nuances of this passage, yet one line leaps off the page to grab the heart: “How my heart yearns within me!”

There is a visceral intensity in Job's words that convicts my own worship. Even in the ash heap of suffering, Job holds a passionate, unshakeable confidence that he will one day stand in the presence of God. His desire for God is so overwhelming—an unquenchable longing.

Every Sunday—and every single day—we have the incredible privilege of drawing near to God because of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus bridged the gap created by our sin and brought us back to the Father.

But as I reflect on Job's words, I have to ask myself: Do I truly yearn for Him? Are my deepest appetites and priorities fixed on God, or am I easily distracted by the temporary prizes of this world?

My prayer for us this week is that God would ignite a deeper hunger in our souls for His presence. As we gather this Sunday, let’s ask Him to be the ultimate longing of our hearts.

For His Name. For His Renown.

Jeff Dumo, Worship Minister