Where did the passion go?

When I got my ONE WORD for 2013, I knew exactly why it was that particular word.  My word is passionate.  I'll be writing about it throughout the year.  I knew that word was from the Lord because I have lived a passionless life for several years. 

People lose passion for many reasons:  stress, depression, life circumstances, death of a loved one, rejection, loss of relationship, we can lose it because we don't feel fulfilled in general.  I can't pinpoint any one thing that happened that made me lose passion for life, for God, but I do know it's been several years.  It could have been when my oldest son was in the hospital and had to do physical therapy for 9 months afterward.  It could have been when I was going through some physical ailments myself, or just any combination of circumstances.  I believe my loss of passion was because I was broken hearted. Broken hearted over lost dreams, lost time, physical illnesses, friendships gone awry, and my list could go on and on. Isaiah 61, which was a prophecy of Jesus coming, says that Jesus would come to heal the brokenhearted.  He want to heal and restore our broken hearts to a place of passionate love for Him, and desires that we live life passionately through Him. 

The real point is that people lose their passion when their focus becomes self-centered rather than God centered.  God is the very giver of our passions and desires.  Psalm 37:4 - "Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart."  I'm exploring God's word more diligently over the past few months than I've done in at least 3 years.  My heart is open and ready for Him.  For more of His word, more of His love, and definitely more of His passion.  What is God passionate about?  People!  He gave the ultimate sacrifice through His son, Jesus Christ, so that we (People) could be reunited with Him for eternity.  Isn't that a beautiful thought?  If that's not passion, I don't know what is!

Thank you, Lord, for inspiring passion in me for You, for life, and for love.  Thank you for answering years worth of prayers in such a sweet and simple way, and thank you for giving me a word that was so specific and special for me.  I praise you, Oh Lord, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  I thank you for giving me peace, and certainty that You are in control of "my" story!  I love you, Lord!
Amen!