When God’s Heart Becomes Our Direction

There are moments in our spiritual lives when God gently shifts something within us – not through pressure or urgency, but through invitation. 

It is rarely abrupt. 

More often, it comes as a quiet reorientation – a subtle turning of the heart over time.

We begin to notice that what matters to God starts to matter more to us. What once felt distant or abstract starts to feel personal. What once felt optional begins to feel meaningful.

This reflects what Habakkuk was expressing when he wrote:

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” – Habakkuk 2:14

This verse does more than point us toward a future hope. It reveals the very heart of God. 

God’s desire has always been expansive, restorative, and far-reaching. From the beginning, God’s intention has been that His glory – His goodness, His presence, His redeeming love – would be known, not in isolated places, but throughout the whole earth.

It is easy for our spiritual lives to become quietly localized, as we rightly give our attention to our own growth, our own healing, and our daily walk with the Lord. These are essential aspects of what we often call soul care. They are not distractions from the life of faith; they are foundational to it.

But soul care was never meant to remain inward. 

It forms something within us so that, in time, our lives open outward. 

As we are shaped by God’s presence, we begin to find that our concerns are no longer limited to our own lives. Our awareness expands. Our prayers deepen. Our willingness grows.

The life of faith is a quiet progression. We receive, we are formed, and we are sent. 

This does not always mean crossing geographical boundaries, but it always involves a movement beyond ourselves. The heart that is being shaped by God will, over time, begin to reflect what He cares about. This is captured in a simple but searching prayer:

“Lord, break my heart for the things that break Yours.”

Jesus speaks into this movement with clarity:

“As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” – John 20:21

To be formed by Christ is, in time, to be sent by Him. 

The sending of Jesus was rooted in love, and so too is our participation in His work.

Over the past several months, I have sensed this quiet invitation again in my own life. 

It has not felt like a departure from the work of soul care, but rather a continuation of it – an invitation to step into places where the presence and love of God are being newly encountered, explored, and received.

In mid-April, I will return to Georgia (the country), Uzbekistan, and Armenia. 

Our mission initiative is simple:

• to be present
• to come alongside pastors and church leaders in encouragement and equipping
• to encourage local believers
• to participate in what God is already doing

This is not about bringing something of our own, but about joining what God is already doing – coming alongside with presence, encouragement, and a posture of humility and attentiveness.

Each expression matters. 

Each is a way of participating in the wider movement of God’s work in the world.

So, as we continue in the rhythms of formation and soul care, I want to extend a simple and open invitation: 

If you feel led, you are welcome to be part of this journey in a few simple ways:

• Prayer
• Following my weekly posts
• Practical support, as you feel led.

This is not a shift away from spiritual formation. It is, rather, a step further into it. Because a life being formed by God – in time – moves beyond itself. It becomes, quietly and steadily, available.

As we continue to care for our souls, my prayer is that we will also become people who are deeply rooted and gently responsive – attentive to the ways God is forming us, and open to the ways He may be leading us outward.

“Here am I. Send me.” — Isaiah 6:8

Reflection Questions

• Where have you noticed God shaping your heart in recent months?
• In what ways might your awareness be expanding beyond your immediate circumstances?
• What might it look like, in this season, to be available to what God is doing beyond you?
• How might you participate – through prayer, encouragement, or support – in the work He is already doing?

Walking Forward Together

If these reflections are meaningful to you, consider sharing them with a friend, pastor, or leader who may also be discerning how God is inviting them to live with greater openness and availability in this season. Often, this kind of formation deepens as we walk it together.

In the coming weeks, I will be sharing reflections and brief updates from the field as we serve in Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Armenia. You are warmly invited to follow along and remain part of this shared journey.

If you would like to learn more about this mission, explore ways to participate, or learn more about our ongoing work of soul care and formation, visit our website: richardparrish.org