Longing: Live Worship from the Keswick Convention 2019

The desire for a greater knowledge of God captivated those who founded the Keswick Convention.

Longing is part of being human. We have thoughts, we have desires. We are not just thinkers, but lovers. That’s how God made us and he made us for himself. So when our desires lead us astray it doesn’t mean that desire is wrong, rather that we are longing for the wrong things. Ultimately whether we know it or not our longing is for him.

Longing is awoken in us when we experience the brokenness of a fallen world; longing comes when something is missing, when there’s an intangible void to fill, a higher level of beauty to achieve. In the words of C. S. Lewis: “the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never yet visited.”

Like a bride’s love for the heavenly bridegroom, only our relationship with Christ will truly satisfy this longing. Like life-giving water to a parched soul. “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink” (John 7:37). Longing speaks of the oneness We yearn for a completeness in Christ. Longing fits our past and the object of our longing is our future.

Originally published on the Keswick Convention website.

Colin originates from Scotland and was converted to Christ whilst working in the oil industry. After studying at Moorlands College he accepted a call to serve as minister, evangelist and worship leader at Cornerstone Church in Nottingham where he’s served for over 23 years.

Colin is married to Vicki and they have two teenage sons James and Ben. He has written congregational worship songs with Philip Moore (who plays piano in the band).