A believer longing for closeness with Jesus feels incomplete without Him. Our souls find true peace only when near to Christ. The closer we are to Him, the more we experience the peace, life, joy, and strength that flow from being with Jesus.

Jesus is to us what the sun is to the day, the moon to the night, and dew to the flower. He is our sustenance, covering, and rest. It's no wonder our spirit cries, "I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if you find my beloved, tell him I’m sick with love." There is a blessing in this deep desire for Jesus. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness," and even more blessed are those who thirst for Jesus Himself. This longing comes from God and is met with His promise.

Even if I can't fully experience Christ now, there is a blessedness in desiring Him with my whole being. To hunger and thirst for Him is nearly heaven itself. This holy longing is part of the beatitudes, with its promise: those who are hungry "shall be filled." When Christ stirs our hearts to long for Him, He promises to satisfy that longing. And when He does, how sweet it will be!