Thirst

by Heather Tietz

As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?

Psalm 42:1-2

Thirst. It is magnified when you are in dry environments.

We have friends who live in the high desert of California. In the summer, when their more southerly neighbors are experiencing heated weather, those in the high desert are roasting in 100-degree temperatures. Swamp coolers are used in homes to not only cool the air but put humidity back in it. If one isn’t careful, dehydration will steal its way in. Even under the protection of an air-conditioned car, you can find yourself so arrested with thirst you can’t swallow.

Water makes up about 60% of an adult body. A person can only last about a day in extreme desert temperatures without it. If they don’t head the signs of dehydration, dry mouth, fatigued body, nausea, blue skin, a shock will set in and eventually death.

Sometimes life leads us to desert situations. We end up somewhere lifeless, where there is no joy, no peace, no hope, no striving, just dry, withering hearts. We spend our time beside cactus, rattlesnakes or rocks.

Are you trying to endure? Are you thirsty? We aren’t built to live in deathly environments. Remember Paul and Silas in prison? They brought Jesus into their dry circumstance, they sang praise songs. Your craving for joy, peace, love is a craving for God. Invite Him to wherever you are.