“Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.” (Isaiah 26:8-9)
It was a pleasure and a privilege to attend the Induction Service of Valerie Sim as Pastor at Coatbridge Baptist Church this weekend. I had the blessing of sitting next to the retired minister of the Steeple Church in Dundee, Rev. Clarke, who has known Valerie for many years. He brought greetings to her and the church and commended her for her ‘miaan.’ Miaan is a Gaelic word that describes “an ardent desire for God.” What a warm and beautiful commendation of Valerie’s nature and character. I would confirm that I also see miaan in her.
The concept of miaan has stayed with me since the Induction and I have reflected on it, wondering if people would see it in me. Do they see ardent desire for God? Do they see a soul that yearns for the Lord, a spirit that longs for Him, night and day? Each of us would do well to reflect personally on these questions.
One with an ardent desire for God will be able to rise above the petty and the insignificant things of church life. One with an ardent desire for God will grow in Christ-likeness. One with an ardent desire for God will maintain love for the Lord and a warm relationship with the Master. One with an ardent desire for God will always find Him no matter what pressures and distractions befall them.
May each of us be blessed with miaan.