I live in a parched land. My soul grows increasingly thirsty. I turn to one pursuit after another for my emptiness to be filled, my thirst quenched, my longing met.

These activities can be shallow, empty or even sin-induced behaviors.

Whether they be senseless browsing of the internet or reading or watching content that does not benefit my spiritual growth or even eating junk food packed with empty calories on a regular basis; it is easy to become imprisoned and fooled by the world, the flesh and the Christian’s adversary, the devil. He is a liar, a rebellious fallen angel, who wishes nothing more than to destroy me and my home. So, if I am not intentionally seeking to fill the soul of my heart’s longing with God, my Creator who promises to quench every thirst and provide life-sustaining sustenance than I am greatly at risk for all sorts of transgression.

Unfortunately, in this world our sin-natured souls can easily believe the lies that Satan (the devil) has freely spun; That killing another person is your God-given mission or providing porn over the internet makes God “happy.”  Unrestrained sin chases us, knocks us to the ground. We become buried deep in the earth and forced to live in darkness. Even our anxieties can set us on a course to fulfill the devil’s desires and we never reach the potential our Savior and Lord died on the cross to provide.

Where can we find hope?

“O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1, NLT

“I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not fasten its grip on me.” Psalm 101:3, NASB

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary the devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:6-8

Jesus says, “…Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” John 7:37b-38

What are you digesting?

Don’t be the devil’s next meal! Cling to the Word of God and taste and see that He is good! God IS a river for your soul!