Thirsting for Clean Water

​Recently I was challenged, once again, to use the devotional A 30-Day Walk with God in the Psalms.  I had started this devotional twice before; once in February 2004 and then on December 31, 2009. I began anew today, April 16, 2019 by reading Psalm 1.  While reading I recognized myself, but not as the one delighting in God’s Word or being nourished by the streams of water yielding much fruit.  I saw myself as one who has found all sorts of reasons and excuses to have a quick read in Scripture and work through my prayer list quickly. While I read, I realized why I have been feeling dry and barren spiritually. I understood why I have been feeling disconnected with those God has put in my life. I have not been delving deep into God’s Word. I have neglected quality time with the Lord.
 
Some of you may be saying, “Debi, I don’t see that in you.”  That’s how easy it is for long time followers of Christ to fake it.  However, I know the truth, and so does my Lord.
 
As a parent it’s hard to go very long without talking to or being in communication with our children.  Quick Facebook messages and texts are fun and handy, but nothing takes the place of a nice long chat in person, or a long overdue phone conversation.  For those children who live several hours away, a good Skype or FaceTime call works wonders too.  Hearing a loved one’s voice and seeing their face brings healing to lonesome hearts.
 
Spending time with my Father God, and Saviour Jesus, is just as important. I can only imagine how it pains the Lord for us to rush through our time and conversations with Him. Digging into His Word is like a breath of fresh mountain air, and a drink from a cool crystal-clear spring.  It brings “life to those who find it, and health to the whole body.” (Prov.4:22)   Studying Scripture for myself is like savouring a Thanksgiving Dinner, rather than gobbling a snack to hold me over. Nice little devotionals that take five minutes to read have inspiring thoughts and helpful teaching. However, when I unhurriedly meditate on God’s Word and allow Him to speak directly to me, that’s when I really learn and remember the lessons He has for me.  That’s when I grow the most.
 
God wants to show me through His Word what He has for me in my situation for that day and time, but if I’m racing to finish I’ll miss His lesson and instead carry on in my own wisdom and strength.
 
“Lord, I don’t want to be ‘like chaff that the wind drives away’. Help me to slow down long enough, and often enough to spend meaningful time with You, so that I may become ‘like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season’.”
 

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