Tuesday, March 5, 2013

TUESDAY, THIRD WEEK OF LENT - 2013


Scripture:
"As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?" Psalm 42:1,2

Reflection:
A cold drink of water on a hot, dry summer's day refreshes us, energizes us and replenishes the much needed fluids in our bodies. If we don't keep ourselves hydrated we will die. This is not simply a desire, but an absolute necessity. Our need for the Lord's refreshing is an even greater necessity.

The Psalmist paints a beautiful picture for us of a thirsty deer drinking from a fresh, flowing stream. Imagine that for a moment. Think of a majestic mountain in the background, the cool water trickling over smooth stones in the stream bed, a gentle breeze blowing through the leaves of nearby trees. There the thirsty deer finds refreshment for its weary self.

Then the Psalmist, from the depths of his being, cries out to the Lord, "So pants my soul for You, O God." Within his soul was a deep longing, an inner thirst, that he recognized could only be satisfied by God. He goes on to ask, "When shall I come and appear before God [that this thirst might be quenched]?" Perhaps you ask that same question - "When?" Well, how about now?

Prayer:
Lord, at those times when our souls and minds have that inner longing, may we not seek to find refreshment at the stagnant and toxic pool of sin. So many voices compel us toward their inferior and disappointing pools. Draw us to you, as the sound of a flowing stream might draw a thirty deer to refreshment. Quench our thirst, Lord. Satisfy our longings. Fulfill, as only you can, the deepest desires of our hearts. Amen

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