“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God” (Psalm 42:1-2).
Yesterday, I had lunch with a darling new friend here in Houston. Devera and I got to share some faith stories over the best vegan bowl I have ever had (Local Foods). We talked about desiring God, what that looks like in our lives, and how to lead others to a place where they experience this thirst for the living God. For both of us, our hunger and thirst for God increased as we experienced His healing touch in our lives. At that point, my faith moved from being just in my head down to the recesses of my heart.
As I read the Gospel stories of Jesus and his ministry, I long to be one of those people that Jesus touched or spoke to or just saw in the crowd. As I read the Psalms, I am reminded of God’s glory and the joy of being in His presence. However, as I live day to day life, I can forget that I am made for that intimate relationship with the Lord. Of course, I will have my quiet times, my prayer time, and even my weekly or multi-weekly time at church; yet I still wander and start thirsting for things of this world more than I thirst for Jesus.
Thankfully, all the things of this world leave me discontent, and I have to go back to the living water. Isn’t God gracious? He made us for Himself and He continually woos us back to His heart.
The danger is when we ignore His wooing and continue to look for things of the world to meet our needs. Eventually, the longing is so far subdued that we don’t even recognize it even more.
What are you thirsting for today? Does it bring life, true life?
Each morning, I start my day asking the Lord to help me thirst first and foremost for Him. I don’t live it out perfectly, but I can think of no better way to start my day. There are no better streams than the flowing streams of God!
Lord, cleanse our hearts, minds and spirits so they thirst for you and you alone!