This morning I made myself do my Bible study. I’ve been struggling the past few weeks with “feeling like” reading and studying God’s Word. Doesn’t sound like much of a Christian, does it? The truth is that I long for those times when I feel like God and I are walking hand in hand. However, those times come and go in this world. In between the lush oasis of life, water, and growth are the desert places.
God’s word tells account after account of people being out in the desert for certain periods of time. Abraham lived most of his life in the desert with his sons. Moses fled Egypt and remained in the desert for years. The Israelites wandered the desert for 40 years. John the Baptist was found in the desert preaching and eating locust. Jesus remained in best buy prozac prices on cialis the desert 40 days before He began His Earthly ministry. In each of these instances, God used the time to prepare them for the purpose for which He created them.
“As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So my soul pants for You, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God;
When shall I come and appear before God?”
(Psalms 42:1-10, NASB)
The very nature of the desert causes not just thirst, but desperate thirst. The heat, the dryness, the desolation all cause a person to “pant” for water. This is a different feeling than just being without. This is knowledge that one will not survive if they continue without that which brings them life.
Jesus said to the woman at the well: “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” (John 4:10-14)
“Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:37-38)
Jesus describes Himself as the living water. I wonder sometimes when I thirst if I have not been abiding in Christ. “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:6)
I got my answer this morning as I made myself do my Bible study. As I read God’s word and thought about its meaning, it was like I someone pouring cool refreshing water into my mouth. My soul seemed to awaken and say, “Oh THERE you are!” as I was able to take fresh air into my lungs.
I believe I have been struggling with sin in my life. Rather I had succumb to sin I was tired of struggling against. “For the wages of sin is death,” (Romans 6:23) If I allow myself to be separated from God through my choice to sin, then it will feel as if my soul is dying. Maybe God allows us to feel lost and thirst for Him for a time if we indeed need to be called back to His side. With as stubborn as I am, I appreciate God providing me with reminders of what life is like separated from Him.
If you ever feel in a desert place I want to encourage you. Continue to seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. You will feel His comforting presence again. If you’re like me, you will then have a great appreciation and wonder of His glory – At least until the next time I am weak. Father, thank you for your ever loving patience. There is a reason you liken us to sheep.
Jennifer Young, LPC is a Local & Telephone Christian Counselor. For more information visit www.Thy-Kingdm.com