Still Thirsty?

In my last blog, I encouraged folks with a bone-dry spirit to come and drink the Living Water.

So why are there days—even after a long, quiet drink—when my spirit resembles a parched plant whose leaves curl inward in a fetal position?

I read my Bible, but nothing soaks in.

I pray, but my words seem to fall on deaf ears.

What’s wrong? Is it me?

I search my heart the same way I examine my automatic drip sprinklers when my plants aren’t getting enough water. Sometimes I find a leak in the hose. Other times, a grain of dirt clogs the pipes.

Perhaps my bone-dry spirit reflects an open wound? I meditate on scripture, but my thoughts wander aimlessly like a leaky pipe.

Perhaps, like that dirt clog, hidden sin prevents me from hearing God’s Word?

No, you might say, my conscience is clear. I’m focused, and hungry for the Lord. So why this ongoing spiritual drought that sucks me dry?

During these times, the enemy loves to wag his finger and hiss, What’s the point of seeking God? If He were real, or really loved you, then where’s the victory? 

Pick up the shield of faith and shout, “Get thee behind me, Satan.”

For when my spirit feels bone-dry, I’m tempted to listen to his lies.

And sometimes, I’m my worst enemy.

Fatigue and stress becomes the incubator for heightened emotions until they reach a crescendo: Where are you, Lord? Don’t You care?

That’s why the Bible says to “live by faith and not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

I would add, Live by faith and not by feelings.

Which means, even when the spirit feels bone-dry, we seek the Lord and ….

Ø  Come expectant, because reading God’s word does not return void. (Isaiah 55:11).

Ø  Come in faith, because God hears a soul-thirsty cry even when we don’t sense His presence. (Psalm 116:1).

Ø  Come in obedience, because Christ bids us to come. (Matthew 11:28)

Ø  Come surrendered, because inevitably there are spiritual seasons of drought that stretch our faith. (Psalm 35:22).

During her own painful desert, my friend, Loretta once told me,

“Trust is fundamental to the Christian walk. It can’t be imitated. 

Learn to trust God now because when you’re feeling hopeless, and God appears silent, the only thing we can do is trust God and wait.”