When you have multiple broken bones, it doesn’t take long to learn that you’re somewhat limited. Your mind says one thing, and the body says another: Oh, I have time to bake some sourdough bread. Nope, I can’t do that. Maybe I could go to the barn and catch a quick ride on Daisy. No, that’s not an option. Well, it’s spring cleaning time, and I could do a massive reorg. Highly unlikely without help. I think I’ll blow dry my hair for going out tonight. Nope, can’t do that. The things I long to do, I can’t.
“O God, you are my God: earnestly I seek you.
My soul thirsts for you.
My flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
So, I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
Beholding your power and glory.
Because your steadfast love is better than life,
My lips will praise you.
So, I will bless you as long as I live.
In your name I will lift up my hands.”
David is in a desolate, hot place as he writes this Psalm. He is probably fleeing from Saul. I think most of us couldn’t possibly comprehend his situation, but suffice it to say, it was incredibly tough. But notice this. It’s when David was in this difficult position, it drove him to a deep yearning for God. He longed for His presence and provision.
Perhaps God allows our thirst to draw us to Him. When we’re in a difficult position and can’t turn to the things we THINK should satisfy, God shows us what truly does satisfy.
This has me thinking about the gift of thirst. David had that longing. He compared his strong desire to seek God to thirsting for water in a desert. Why was David so motivated to pursue God? It's because the loving-kindness of God was better than life itself.
The Lord has stopped me in my tracks. I want the gift of thirst. I pray that through this difficult season, God will renew and intensify my thirst for Him. I want my ultimate satisfaction in nothing else but Him. May we seek God with the same intense thirst David had.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.