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
No comments:
Post a Comment