Psalm 42:1-2

Psalm 42: 1-2 "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?"

Recently, I took a trip to Vegas. With all the walking and talking (and drinking) in the midst of desert heat, I was often very thirsty for water. We'd sit down to eat and the waiter would bring us out these minuscule glasses, mostly filled with ice and a splash of water. Before they were done passing the glasses out, mine would be empty.

In reading Psalm 42, I think back to how thirsty I physically was in Vegas. I was so thirsty it was impossible to ignore. With that being said, how often do I ignore my spiritual thirst? I can guarantee that my spirit is thirsty. How do I know? Well, I've had to miss my small group for almost a month due to a busy, ever changing schedule. I've been out of town and unable to attend my home church Sunday mornings. My Bible study ended and I have yet to make time to start a new one. My Bible is often only opened to do homework, which I've been trying to convince myself doubles as a quiet time. (It doesn't.) I know my spirit is thirsty, but I would rather keep moving through life without taking the time to slow down and refuel. 

I guess my question here is this: How do I get to the point where I do thirst for God so desperately that I have no other option but to stop and take drink?

• Stop making excuses. Obviously. (Much easier said than done.) 
• Purposely schedule time for God. Maybe it will seem unauthentic at first, but if the consistency is there, something has to stick. Things will become more natural over time. (I think?)
• Find someone to hold me accountable. Which also means I hold someone else accountable. We build each other up, grow together. Christianity is about fellowship, so why not embrace being spiritually fed with another in the same fashion I would embrace going to dinner with my friend?

My goal is begin to focus more intentionally on my spiritual thirst. I do desire to know and love God as passionately as this verse portrays. It's time for action. It's time to quench that panting thirst!

Thanks, God, for being faithful even when I am not.

Pslam 3:3

Psalm 3:3 - "But you, Lord, are a shield around me; my glory, the One who lifts my head high."

  

Sometimes, work is a lot more than I can handle (and I'm not just talking about my clients). Working at two places, with two bosses, two sets of procedures, two email accounts, two this, two that... It just gets overwhelming. I forget to do things a particular way and I feel attacked by coworkers. Or, my schedule isn't as flexible as some want it to be and I begin to feel like I should find more ways to stretch myself thinner. (Who really cares if I'm gaining weak spots? Just get the work done, ok?)

There's hope. And I find it in Psalm 3:3.  The Lord is my shield. He will protect me as long as I keep my eyes and intentions focused on him. Verse 4 continues on to say I called out to Him and He answered! WOW. I'm just going to sit there for a second. The creator of the universe answers me when I call out to him. Even with so many other tragic things are going on in the world, He stops for me. He cares for me. He's willing to be a shield for me. He takes the heat of the flames, the blunt of the blows. AND, (yeah, it gets better!) He does it willingly.

I love David's frankness in Psalm 3. By verse 7, he gets real. "Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked." Maybe he doesn't actually mean to do all that, but sometimes, it just feels good to tell God how you really feel. I can definitely say that I have had a few prayers like that. Even so, my God is willing to listen with a merciful heart to those stressing me as well as be my shield when they attack. What a super cool God!

My goal as I focus on this chapter is this: He is my shield. He will fight for me. I must simply stay focused on Him. (And, probably keep my mouth shut more often...)

Thank you, God, for being my shield and lifting me up.

 

Psalm 1:3

Psalm 1:3 - "That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers." 

This chapter brings me hope. It's hard to know whether I'm in the right place sometimes or not. Clients are so flaky - one day they're so thankful for me and the next, I've ruined their life. It's difficult to stay focused on God's plan, on God's rewards for me, when the world has such different standards of success. 

Reading verse 3 comforts me. I have planted myself where the Living Water wants me. Although I may feel like I am in a desert, my roots are deep and He is more than faithful to keep me healthy. I will bear fruit, whether I see it or not. WHATEVER I DO WILL PROSPER because I have decided to stand firm, stay near the water, and trust in His will over my own. 

Verse 6 is pretty great, too! It says, "For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous..." Again, what comfort that brings! He is watching over me. He will not lead me into a place that He cannot protect me. Though my heart be weary, He is still in control. 

Becoming a counselor has proved to be a much more difficult path than I expected it to be. Despite saying that, I know it is where I need to be. I know God has planted me in this field and I look forward to seeing the fruits of my labor prosper.

Thank you in advanced, God, for the wonderful work you are doing in my life!