Desire to Destiny Dr. Mike Larson

Compassion is one of the virtues we can exercise towards one another, but it can also be exhausting to share with everyone who needs it. We may want to share it, but it's easy to lose heart and wonder if the person we give it to really "deserves" our compassion. How can we grow our capacity for compassion without burning out in the process?
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Breathing.  We do it automatically, from when we first wake up, through every moment of the day, and even after we go to sleep at night.  Except for the occasional "breathing experts,"  few of us give it much thought .  But learning to breathe well may bring new life not just to our bodies, but our souls as well.
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Regardless of life experience,  every one of us has a worldview that involves beliefs about God and everyone of us has an innate desire for happiness. While we all seek after happiness, many of us are reluctant to include God in that pursuit. Despite our reluctance, recent science and ancient testimonies agree:  a strong faith is the foundation of a happy life. Could belief in a compassionate God be just what our souls need? 
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Fulfilling our desires is a lifelong endeavor. Sometimes this pursuit will bring joy and celebration, while other moments will be marred by disappointment and despair. Regardless of the season, we all need one who will be present through it all.

In response to that need, an ancient Psalm invites us to "delight in the Lord." This is a God who will companion and care for us through every moment. Beyond that, the Psalmist assures us this divine friendship will become the foundation for a happy life, as this generous God works to fulfill our heart's deepest desires. 
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What do you want? It's a simple question, but it can be incredibly difficult to answer. We can find ourselves mesmerized by flashy new opportunities or unappreciative of the many fulfilling options already available to us. Whether you're a troubled teenager, an accomplished adult or even a Greek God, getting to the heart of the matter takes perseverance -- and a willingness to face the truth.

If we want to fulfill our desires in live-giving ways we need fearless truth tellers. We need those people who are willing to listen deeply to our stories, to ask difficult questions and to speak the truth with grace when we may be losing our way. As we cultivate space for these relationships, we will find more freedom to pursue our desires in a way that leads to lasting happiness. 
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Following the recent death of George Floyd, the world was reminded of a normal in America many of us didn't want to believe. As the reality of this tragedy sinks in, apathy has become unacceptable. Floyd's story has stirred a unified desire for change across the globe, while reminding us of others who died unjustly. Protestors have filled the streets from Sacramento to Sydney to South Africa calling for reform. 

Still the question lingers: What happens when these stories fade from the headlines? When this initial energy subsides, will we have the stamina to follow this cause to the end? And what can we do to ensure we don't let the cost of apathy rise on us again? 


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