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 in dry environments.

We have friends who live in the high desert of California. In the summer, when their more southerly neighbors are experiencing warm 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 also put humidity back in it. If one isn’t careful, dehydration will steal its way in. Even in 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 water. If they don’t heed the signs of dehydration – dry mouth, fatigued body, nausea, blue skin – shock will set in, eventually followed by 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.

When you find yourself struggling to endure, remember Paul and Silas in prison.

They sang praise songs and were flooded with blessings. Your craving for joy, peace, and love is a craving for God. Invite Him to quench your thirst today.

Pray

Dear God,
I crave Your presence in my life. Without You, everything is parched and dry. Please fill me with your living water today. In Jesus’ name I humbly pray, Amen.