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This is just one of the many questions swimming in our minds, often underneath the surface.
There are certain personality types that seek this answer more than others, to be sure. But, as humans, we all do it--- to some degree---even if in different ways.
We look up after birth asking our mothers to tell us what they wants from us. Each little face ultimately seeking love and relationship; we want to hear: I am so happy you are here! I just want you! I want to hold you and love you and be with you.
We long for her to say... I want you. Just look at me, connect to me. I love you.
Certainly, we have all received varying messages from our mothers. And we follow forward--- looking to our fathers, our siblings, our friends, our bosses, our spouse, our neighbors---asking similar questions. How can I please you and keep you happy? How can I make you like me and/or respect me, or value me? How can we stay connected? The questions vary depending on our make-up and uniqueness.
Essentially we are asking the world: What do you really want from me?
Maybe it is just me. But, somehow, I don't think so.
As I journey through the Old Testament, I keep looking for God's heart. I want to know Him more. I want to know what He wants. Lord, show me Your heart. What is it You want? What is Your desire? What is the purpose, the foundation, the goal of Your words, these stories, these commands and Your workings?
Sometimes I find myself confused and ill-equipped to answer this question. I don't readily know and I don't understand the "why". I have trouble seeing His heart. And, thus, the conversation continues.
Yet, there are moments when His heart's desire jumps off the page and shouts out with His words. Loud and clear: God tells us exactly what He wants and why He has done this or that...
In Exodus 29, I found such a place.
After very specifically enumerating the particulars of sacrifice, clothing and worship instruments, God speaks the "why" behind His orders.
"[After all this] Then regularly... there I will meet with you and speak to you and the place will be consecrated by my glory" (Exodus 29: 42)
What does God really want? What is His purpose for all this?
He wants to meet with His people.
He wants to speak to His people.
And, He wants His glory to fill, to clean, to make us holy (consecrated).
He is setting it all up for meeting. ...for dwelling and connectedness. He wants to draw near. We are indeed designed for relationship with Him.
In fact, He says it over and over. He reminds them yet again in the next verses following that this is exactly WHY He delivered them from Egypt: "I brought you out of Egypt... so that I may dwell among you and be your God". (Exodus 29: 46)
God Almighty wants to be with us... to dwell among us.
This is one of His deepest 'wants'. THIS is what He really desires.
God reminds me this morning---- Stephanie, you ask how to please me? How do you stay connected to me and make me smile? Let me dwell with you. Let me meet you. Meet with me. Listen and speak with me. Let my glory fill you, make you holy and new.
I just want you. I want to hold you and love you and be with you.
I am just happy you are here.
"As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you." (Isaiah 66:13)
"Come away with me, my love." (Song of Solomon 2:10)