God’s creation has great purpose in tutoring amazing truth! Take for instance the animal world: there are two times a deer develops an insatiable thirst for water—when fleeing from danger and when withstanding an opponent in combat. Likewise, a Christian learns a deep-seated want for God’s Word fleeing from youthful lust and skillfully resisting the devil in spiritual combat (2 Timothy 2:22; James 4:7). This pressing spiritual thirst grows for the nearness of our Heavenly Father and directs us as we become sensitive to the environment around us.

Preparing for another “dairy, sugar” fast has intensified my spiritual thirst wherein I take my stand! 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 a physical one. Therefore, Scripture is my anchor like the passage in Ephesians 6:10-18 which keeps me from drifting off course. I am continuing to learn the importance of standing my ground or knowing when to pull anchor and flee. Thus, each morning when I rise, God’s Word is the set course for my Soul!

Also, drawing from difficult days can aid as well. Many years ago, after multiple medical tests, a doctor finally diagnosed me with an autoimmune disease. However, you may well know from experience of your own, there are numerous autoimmune diseases. So, to pinpoint which one requires even more testing and seeing different types of specialists. I will never forget the day I saw the rheumatologist. My symptoms were pointing to RA, but the blood work would not confirm that diagnoses. Yet, the doctor was interested in starting me on a particular drug to help with my ailments. Much to his dismay, I declined. And as I prepared to walk out of his office, he looks me in the eye and says, “Drink lots of water!”

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

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

Psalm 42:1, LB

Just like the deer needs the water brooks, so my soul thirsts for the living God. So thankful for His Word that provides the refreshing streams. And I am so thankful for men (and women) of God who have gone before us and have recorded their times of refreshment by leaning in on the wisdom of God, our Triune God!

This prayer by A.W. Tozer is one I run to often:

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.