Thirsty

Well, it’s mid summer here in the southwest desert and we just passed the longest day of the year with record breaking heat. So far, we have been enduring temperatures of up to 116 degrees and it feel oppressive outside. 

When this time of year rolls around, a deep need of mine becomes front and center focus where in other times of the year, it’s more of an afterthought; my need for water. I don’t crave sugary beverages, iced coffee, Gatorade, or energy drinks. Just pure, ice-cold water. Of course, I need to drink lots of water all year round (and for the record, I do). But when the heat is turned way up (to being almost unbearable), is when I feel me need. 

This, of course, makes me think of our need for Christ. I was reading today out of Psalm 63:

1 “O God, you are my God;

I earnestly search for you.

My soul thirsts for you;

my whole body longs for you

in this parched and weary land

where there is no water.

2 I have seen you in your sanctuary

and gazed upon your power and glory.

3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself;

how I praise you!

4 I will praise you as long as I live,

lifting up my hands to you in prayer.

5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast.

I will praise you with songs of joy.”

Psalms 63:1-5 (NLT) 

Much like this time of year when I am very aware of my need for water to hydrate my body, this season of life has been a bit of a spiritual desert and the heat has been turned way up. Maybe some of you can relate. The question I have for you (and for myself) is where do you turn when you find yourself in the desert? I love to pray this Psalm verbatim to God; “My soul thirsts for You! Your unfailing love is better than life! You satisfy me more than the richest feat!”

Jesus promises us, “whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14 (ESV)

I invite you to come join us this weekend and drink deep of the living water Jesus freely gives to replenish your soul. Let Him fill you so full because we live in a world that needs us to be refreshed, renewed and overflowing with living water to pour out onto others who are thirsty. 

This weekend, we will be singing Lion and the Lamb to hold fast to the promise of Jesus’ return and to enthrone Him on our hearts. Next, we’ll sing Great I Am to focus on God’s power to overcome darkness. Finally, we will sing This is the Day to remember God’s faithfulness to use our trials and pain for our good.