I was in West Texas a few weeks ago and one thing WT and our area had in common at that time was DRYNESS.    When it’s that dry, things begin to die.  It’s as if the earth groans for some rain that will refresh it and bring life.  It’s amazing what a little rain can do; a dry parched field will spring up with new growth.  It was awesome to experience the refreshing power of rain last week  (not only here – but also in WT).  

Have you ever been so thirsty you felt totally parched?  You longed for and needed a simple drink of water to restore your body and relieve that parched dry feeling.  I remember a time some buddies and I were backpacking in Big Bend.  We packed several days into Big Bend and on our hike back to our base we were low on water and soooooo thirsty.  When we got back to the base, we had a large cooler filled with water and gatorade.  We drank our fill and were so refreshed.   It was amazing; we felt revived and empowered.

If a little rain – a little water – can be so refreshing to the earth and to us, think what the presence of God brings.  Far too often we hunger and thirst after so many things but God, and we’re left feeling dry and parched instead of refreshed and empowered.  That’s because all those things don’t bring life – God does.  I know a lot of believers who have opted to chase (to thirst after) the things of the world and they’ve been deceived into dryness.  It’s sad to me because the life that God want’s to bring forth from them to others is hindered and parched.    What Satan and the world offers seem good for a season, but ultimately they bring drought and death.   I’ve been in that wilderness; it’s filled with many mirages of what seem true but are actually a lie.   What God gives us is better than life itself; His love, mercy and grace are simply amazing.

Thursday in my time alone with God I read Psalm 63.  Verses 1-3 just jumped off the page at me:  “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.  2 I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory.  3 Your unfailing love is better to me than life itself; how I praise you!”

If there’s dryness in your life – your soul – maybe it’s because you’ve been thirsting for the wrong things.   Whether you’re in the wilderness or the middle of a great city – the remedy for dryness – the cure for our thirst is the power, presence, and love of God.