A very important point that most people don't mention, is that the Bible doesn't explain which desires God will give, or when He will fulfill them.

   Perhaps He has a different gift to bless me with, so my old desire needs to be revised to a new one. Like switching radio channels when you hear only fuzz; and the new one comes in much more clearly over the radio waves. Is that what the Bible means, when it says He will put a new song in my heart? (This is in the Bible nine times.)

   And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Psa 40:3

   God may put a new desire in my heart, which He IS ready to fulfill.

   At a later time, the old desire may return; and that time might be God's time to give it to me. But peace is of the Lord, and pain and sadness are of the enemy. So an ongoing longing which is simply not getting fulfilled, is certainly a torment from the pit of Hell.

   I know absolutely, that God's timing is perfect. He created me. My human needs were given by Him, and will be satisfied by Him, in His own perfect time. Whether He gives them, or changes them, they will be satisfied. I can trust Him implicitly. If I have an sorrowful gnawing craving, it is for my own good. He has a reason for allowing everything.

All as God wills, Who wisely heeds
To give or to withhold,
And knoweth more of all my needs,
Than all my prayers have told.

Enough that blessings undeserved
Have marked my erring track;
That, wheresoe'er my feet have swerved,
His chastening turned me back.

That more and more a providence
Of love is understood,
Making the springs of time and sense
Sweet with eternal good.


John G. Whittier (1807-1892)

   God is the author of peace. He is the author and finisher of a happy heart.

   Please erase my unfulfilled longing, Father, and replace this sorrow with a new hope, a new song, a new desire. Change the focus of my heart, and help me adjust my thoughts, so that I keep my eyes on You, instead of my own feelings. Perhaps my new desire could be something I could do for You. I ask for a new one, to replace the old. I don't want to care about the old one any more. I am weary with my sorrow, and wish for a taste of Your pure joy.

   Only God can solve the problem of an aching yearning. But He can. Oh, yes He can. Father, with absolute faith, from the center of my heart, I surrender this longing to you.

All to Jesus I surrender;
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.

I surrender all, I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.


Judson W. Van DeVenter, 1896

   I did pray this prayer last year, with tears of sincerity. And my prayer was answered quickly. A marvelous new interest caught my attention, and a deep fascination with it filled my mind. It kept me so busy every day, I nearly forgot my old yearning. I know that God gave me this new interest. He wants me to be happy, even if I can't have what I want, when I want it! It's been three-quarters of a year now, and I live day by day with peace, and so much more joy! How I praise my Heavenly Father!