“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” Psalm 42:1-2
We were riding our bikes, the three of us, around our little section of the neighborhood. It wasn’t a far ride, but it was surprisingly hot. My littlest couldn’t finish the ride, he was quickly worn out. I ended up walking both our bikes home. As soon as we returned to our house, we all headed straight for a drink.
When you are thirsty, it is all you can think about. I dehydrate easily during the summer and immediately feel sick: nausea, dizziness, confusion–all for lack of water. I’ve learned that I need to drink a lot of water before going outside to prevent dehydration.
Water is what we are made of and is essential for our very survival. When it comes to our soul, knowing God and communing with Him is essential for our spiritual survival. This passage in Psalm 42 describes the souls longing for God, to the point of panting for Him.
Does your soul pant for God?
Too often, our soul is more interested in other distractions. The pretty things, the enjoyable things of life block our line of vision and convince us they will fill our every need. Jobs, relationships, possessions, dreams, money, can all becomes first things in our hearts. We believe the lie that they will fill our deepest desires, but instead they leave us panting, our thirst never quenched.
Because our soul is made to be filled by God alone, nothing else will satisfy. Jesus referred to Himself as “living water.” He is the Source of the refreshment for which our soul longs. Filling our desire and longings with Him is the only way our thirst will be quenched.
He has plenty of this living water. It will never run out. It will fill your soul with more joy than any relationship, dream, experience or material possession ever could. We were made to enjoy sweet communion with God and our hearts are restless until we do.
For more on this living water: Psalm 73:25, Revelation 7:17, John 4:13,14, John 7:37-39, Isaiah 12:3.
Copyright © 2012 Christina Fox, All Rights Reserved