Reflection
We are in constant need of God. In despair, the psalmist cries out to God, longing for Him as desperately as a deer that is parched for water. To be in the Presence of the Lord Almighty is not only a delight and a joy, but a necessity for the psalmist. His need for God is more urgent than his need for food. It is likened to extreme thirst. Humans can survive for weeks without food, but only days without water. God is like water: without Him, the psalmist will surely perish.
To be satisfied from thirst by the Living God is to be completely restored. Those of us who have come to God with joy and thanks do so in celebration because of having experienced this refreshment from Him. There is no other way to know the fullness of restoration other than from God’s Living Water. So when the psalmist feels overwhelmed by the depths of his own despair, he puts his hope in God, knowing that the depths of God are more than enough to overtake the depths of his depression.
Whether or not we realize it, we all are in desperate need of God. We quickly become emptied and parched without Him. We risk our lives when we refuse to drink of the Living Water which is offered to us. Our diligent search after Him must be like that of a deer which combs the forest for a running stream. Once the deer finds its reliable source of water, it has its fill and quickly adjusts its life to stay nearby it, so that it will not perish. Let us also continue like the psalmist in remembering our need for the Eternal and Living God. Let us live our lives nearby Him at all costs.
Prayer
Lord God, my life is in Your hands completely. Every aspect of it is sustained by You. Thank You for the life You’ve given me today, and thank You for eternal life that You’ve given me by Your Son. As I seek You, Lord, continually draw me near to You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that I might always be full enough to be poured out for Your purpose. In Jesus’ Precious Name I pray, AMEN.
Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan (credit: Biblestudytools.com): Acts 5:17-42; Deuteronomy 25-27; Job 16
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