If You’re Longing for More than This

Summary

In this video, Jackie and Bobby from Ascension Presents explore the concept of 'longing'—the unquenchable desire for something more profound than earthly satisfaction. They discuss how this ache can be a sign of being made for a higher purpose, drawing on insights from C.S. Lewis and Saint Augustine. The video offers constructive ways to deal with this longing, such as prayer, self-awareness, community, physical activity, and service, emphasizing that the ultimate satisfaction lies in the eternal embrace of God's infinite love.

Takeaways

• 😔 The script discusses the universal human experience of longing and the 'ache' for something more than what can be found on earth.
• 🌏 C.S. Lewis is quoted to suggest that desires that cannot be satisfied on earth indicate that humans are made for another world.
• 💔 The feeling of longing persists even in fulfilling life circumstances like marriage, indicating it is a deeper spiritual need.
• 🕊 Saint Augustine's quote is used to express that our hearts find rest only in God, suggesting the ache is a sign of our divine purpose.
• 👥 The speaker emphasizes the importance of community and good friends in dealing with the ache of longing.
• 🙏 Prayer is presented as a constructive way to address the ache, by opening one's heart to God and expressing the deep desire for connection.
• 🏃‍♂️ Engaging in physical activities like hiking or surfing is suggested as a healthy outlet for the energy associated with the ache.
• 🤔 The script encourages self-awareness to identify and replace unhealthy coping mechanisms with healthier ones.
• 🙅‍♀️ Distraction through social media, entertainment, and other means is warned against as it does not address the underlying ache.
• 💖 Serving others is highlighted as a way to experience God and satisfy the ache, as it involves selfless giving and recognizing God's presence in others.
• 📚 The speaker references the 'Song of Songs' to illustrate that moments of divine connection are fleeting on earth but eternal in heaven.

Q & A

What is the main theme discussed by Jackie and Bobby in the video?

The main theme discussed by Jackie and Bobby is the concept of 'longing' or 'ache' for something more in life that cannot be satisfied on earth, and how this longing is related to our spiritual journey.

What did C.S. Lewis suggest about the unquenchable desires within us?

C.S. Lewis suggested that if we have desires that cannot be satisfied by earthly things, the most logical explanation is that we were made for another world.

How does Jackie describe the feeling of 'ache' in the context of the video?

Jackie describes the 'ache' as a deep sense of emptiness or longing that cannot be satisfied by anything on earth, experienced by melancholics and romantics.

What does Saint Augustine's quote imply about the human condition?

Saint Augustine's quote implies that humans are restless and will not find true satisfaction until they find their rest in God, as they were made for God.

How does Jackie relate her personal experience with the concept of 'ache'?

Jackie shares that even after getting married to an amazing man, the 'ache' or longing still exists, indicating that only God can truly satisfy it.

What does the speaker in the video suggest about the purpose of the 'ache'?

The speaker suggests that the 'ache' is a divine invitation to seek God more deeply and to recognize that true satisfaction lies beyond earthly experiences.

What does Pope Benedict XVI describe as the ultimate satisfaction in eternal life?

Pope Benedict XVI describes eternal life as the supreme moment of satisfaction where we are embraced by totality and in turn embrace it, experiencing an overwhelming joy in the ocean of infinite love.

What are some of the destructive ways people try to fill the 'god-shaped hole' according to the video?

Some destructive ways mentioned include using alcohol, drugs, sex, pornography, and endless distractions like social media to numb the 'ache' or longing.

What constructive actions are suggested in the video to deal with the feeling of 'ache'?

The video suggests praying sincerely, knowing oneself and one's unhealthy coping mechanisms, surrounding oneself with good community, engaging in physical activities, sitting in silence, and serving others as constructive actions.

How does the video relate the act of serving to experiencing God?

The video relates serving to experiencing God by stating that serving others allows us to become a sincere gift of self, which in turn helps us to encounter God and find fulfillment beyond our own needs.

What does the video suggest about the role of community in dealing with the 'ache'?

The video suggests that having a good community is essential, whether one is single or married, as it provides support and a sense of belonging, which can help in dealing with the 'ache'.