Numbers 7; Psalms 42, 43; Song of Songs 5; Hebrews 5

As a deer thirsts for streams of water,

so I thirst for you, God.

I thirst for the living God.

When can I go to meet with him?

Psalm 42:1-2 (NCV)

I am thirsty. Thirsty for more of God; more of His tangible presence.

I am craving extra time spent in His arms, enveloping my heart with His compassion. I am longing to bury my face in His scent – purity, sacrifice, love – and feel the glowing warmth of His Glory. I am eager to hear His voice, whispering in my ear, booming in my spirit. I desire to see His benevolent face, His grace-filled eyes, and His tender smile. I yearn to taste and see more of His goodness.

The distractions of life, of motherhood, of the busyness of piled up to-do lists, and the enticing lure of smart phone, computer, television…, cut chunks out of my day. Interruptions make upheaval out of my attempts at quiet time, exclamations in the middle of my prayers. Most days I don’t have a single moment to myself to think, use the bathroom, or shower, let alone be still and know. Exhaustion, an ever constant, yet unwelcome companion, leads to falling asleep moments after beginning to meditate on the Word.

I often feel spiritually dehydrated, and left wanting more of His Living Water. My lips are parched from thanklessness issuing from my mouth; my tongue is dry from a lack of praise. My eyes gritty from being in the desert place. My ears not fully tuned into the whispers of His voice, hearing only fragments of truth amidst the enemy’s lies. My skin dried up, mummy-like, desperate for His healing salve.

When I am able to find my way to the river, when I am able to meet with Him, I dip my toes into the waterside, feeling His refreshing. Wading into His compassion, forgiveness ripples and flows around me, currents of mercy tugging at my legs. Sinking deeper still, I am able to drink in His Holy Water, tasting His perfect draught, baptizing in His love.

My heart is flooded with gratitude, and my mouth is filled with worship. I am soaked in His affectionate whispers and drenched in His Truth. I am renewed, revitalized by His answers to prayers. I am encouraged by His Word. I am restored.

My thirst is quenched.

And, yet, I still want more…

I am thirsty. Thirsty for more of God. When can we meet again?

Blessings – Julie, Vadipatti, India (written in the U.S.A.)

Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Songs of Songs 1-3, Acts 6

Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes. Your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens love you. Song of Songs 1:3 

All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Acts 6:15

 Recently a new acquaintance described me as a very positive person. I thought to myself, if you could read my mind, you would see many negative ugly thoughts.

Stephen a wise man filled with the Holy Spirit performed many miracles. When confronted by his detractors they described him as having the face of an angel. Isn’t that what we hope others will see in us?

Maybe my new friend caught a glimpse of the Holy Spirit in me. How could she know that wasn’t the natural me unless I shared that information with her. Stephen testified to what he knew despite the danger to his life.

What do I stand to lose in such a transaction? Would I lose face? If I don’t speak the truth in love as to what I know won’t I lose the Holy Spirit’s face?

Jesus’ name is wonderful, like perfume to his beloved, who rejoice and delight in his presence. Who wouldn’t want to live a fragrant beloved life?

I have to share more.

yicareggie