So much can be learned from God’s creation, and especially the animal world. For instance, there are two times a deer develops an insatiable thirst for water—when fleeing from danger and when withstanding an opponent in combat. Similarly, we are to develop a spiritual thirst for God’s Word by fleeing from youthful lust and resisting the devil in spiritual combat (2 Timothy 2:22; James 4:7). It’s this spiritual thirst that should drive us to our Heavenly Father each day!

As I prepare for another “no dairy, no sugar” fast, my spiritual thirst has intensified because of the stand I must take! And while the opponent is in the form of a donut (sugar or dairy), I know full well it is more a spiritual war than physical. Therefore, Scripture is certainly a part of my preparation. And Ephesians 6:10-18 is my “go-to” passage for knowing when I need to flee and when I need to stand my ground. Thus, each morning when I rise, God’s Armor is readily accessible for the taking up!

Drawing from difficult days can aid as well. Many years ago, a doctor diagnosed me with an autoimmune disease. Since there are numerous autoimmune diseases, to pinpoint which one, required seeing different types of specialists. I will never forget the day I saw the rheumatologist. My symptoms were screaming RA, but the blood work would not confirm it. The doctor says he would like to go ahead and start me on a particular drug to help with the symptoms. But I declined without a diagnosis. As I prepared to walk out of his office, he looks me in the face and says, “Drink lots of water!”

For me, that was an eye-opening experience. So, two things I practice almost daily: sweating (exercise) and drinking water (hydration)!

“As the deer pants for water so I long for you, O God.”    

Psalm 42:1, LB

Thirsting to know Him more through this month as I take my stand or flee from temptations.

This prayer by A.W. Tozer is so fitting:

O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need for further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, so that I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, ‘Rise up my love, my fair one, and come away.’ Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long.