Desperate Beggar

Hello again! Karen has given me another opportunity to 'guest blog' so I just thought I would share what has been on my heart. Being away on vacation has given me an opportunity to pursue God without distractions. I have been attending a bible study up here in St. Louis called "He Speaks To Me" by Priscilla Shirer. This past week Priscilla used the story of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, calling out for Jesus for mercy. "Son of David, have mercy on me!" He cried. The crowd shushed him and he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stopped and commanded Bartimaeus be brought to Him. Jesus asked him "What do you want Me to do for you?" And Bartimaues said that he wanted to see.

Bartimaeus was desperate. He was physically desperate, socially desperate and economically desperate. Desperation draws us near to Him, doesn't it. Bartimaeus didn't let the irritated crowd stop him from shouting out to Jesus. He didn't let embarrassment stop him; he kept right on shouting "Son of David, have mercy on me!" until Jesus stopped. Do you think if we were to boldly cry out to Jesus when we are desperate, or even when we are not, He would stop and call us to Him?

I believe Jesus is looking for those desperate people; the one who doesn't care what anyone thinks when she drop to her knees and cries out because the kids are driving her nuts. The woman who drops to her knees and weeps because she has just been told she has cancer. Her heart surrendered, unashamedly crying out...glorifying His name. The man who cries out to God because he and his wife are arguing and cannot seem to get it resolved. Are you desperate? I am. I need to be like Bartimaeus...the desperate beggar.

This was one of my favorite quotes this week from the study. "We don't feel strong desire until God puts us in a position of desperate need. Maybe that is why He refuses to just show up whenever we call. As we seek God's presence, He may allow us to get extremely thirsty. That thirst will drive us to the Living Water." ~ Priscilla Shirer

After much contemplation I jotted down "Be my delight O God" in my journal. The rest of the words were penned at another time...I wanted to share it with you.

Desperate Beggar

Be my delight, O God

Allow me to love You more than these

You, only, my God, my craving is to please

Be my desire, O God

As I humbly heed Your call

Making You my All in All

Be my delight, O God

This battle is not mine You say

My life is Yours, have Your way

Be my desire, O God

In You my trust I will put

As I place my own will underfoot

Be my delight, O God

Giving You only the glory

You the theme of my life’s story

Be my desire, O God

Set apart in passionate praise

May I please You all my days.

Are you thirsty? Are you desperate? Come with me and let's shout out to Jesus for the Living Water.

Many Blessings to you,

Teresa Hemmer