The weather is warming up and everyday in the desert is beautiful but even more so when it’s blooming and the trees are budding. However, it’s important to remember to take plenty of water when you go out hiking or exploring. It doesn’t take long in the desert sun to dry out or feel the effects of dehydration.
But what about your soul? How long does it take for the soul of man to dry out and become parched? Since the soul is more fragile than the body the withering takes place more quickly and it’s just as devastating.
Have you had those times? Times when you say I just feel like I want to shrivel up and die…Life has handed you nothing but lemons and you’re unable to turn them into lemonade.
King David knew what it was like to be under constant attack. He spent quite a bit of time being pursued by King Saul in the desert of Israel. He knew what it was like to thirst both physically and spiritually.
“God, you are my God. I am searching so hard to find you. Body and soul, I thirst for you in this dry and weary land without water. 2 Yes, I have seen you in your Temple. I have seen your strength and glory. 3 Your faithful love is better than life, so my lips praise you.
4 By my life, I will praise you. In your name, I lift my hands in prayer. 5 When I sit down to satisfy my hunger my joyful lips hunger to praise you! 6 I remember you while lying on my bed. I think about you in the middle of the night. 7 That is because you are the one who helps me. It makes me happy to be under your protection!
8 I stay close to you, and you hold me with your powerful arm. 9 Those who are trying to kill me will be destroyed. They will go down to their graves. 10 They will be killed with swords. Wild dogs will eat their dead bodies. 11 But the king will be happy with his God, and those who promised to obey him will praise him when he defeats those liars.” Psalm 63 ERV
Last week we had several days of good rain. It’s amazing how a little water causes the desert to spring up with new growth. You can almost see the plants fatten up as they take on water.
“You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. 2 You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3 and you refresh my life.” Psalm 23:1-3 CEV
I pray that today you will know what it’s like to be spiritually thirsty, to have soul-thirst, and then to be completely refreshed by streams of peaceful water!