God's Glory Church

“As that deer flows to the streams of water, so flows to You, O God, my soul.” — Psalm 41:2

My friends and I were going to complete one of our bucket list items – a hike to the Grand Canyon. However, already at the beginning of our trip, we thought: will we have enough water, the reserves of which, in the end, quickly ran out; and it was still far to the edge of the canyon. It became difficult for us to breathe. Then we turned a corner and what we consider a miracle happened. We saw three water bottles hidden in a rock crevice with a note that said, “I knew you’d need this. Enjoy!” We looked at each other in surprise, whispered thanks to God, took a couple of the much-needed sips, and then set off on the last stretch of our journey. I have never felt so thirsty and at the same time so grateful in my life.

The psalmist had not been to the Grand Canyon, but he must have known how a deer behaves when it is thirsty and perhaps frightened. The word “thirst” (Ps. 41:2) speaks of a thirst to such an extent that if you do not quench it, you may die. The author equates the degree of the deer’s thirst with his longing for God: “As the deer leans toward the streams of water, so my soul leans toward You, O God” (v. 2).

God is our constant help. We long for Him because He brings new strength and freshness to our weary lives, equipping us for whatever lies ahead along the way.

Did you feel very thirsty, hungry or afraid? Why do you long for God’s presence?

Loving God, thank you for the renewed strength I feel as You fill my life. Forgive me for looking for a source other than You.

Author: John Blaze