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.