When I am thirsty for God I don’t want to be with him. Spiritual thirst drives out love so I reject its source. Practically, I struggle to read the Bible or pray, while being tempted by my cravings.
… God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, … in a dry and parched land where there is no water. [Psalm 63:1]
So, why is this spiritually thirsty writer longing for God? The psalm gives some clues about finding God out of spiritual emptiness.
I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. [Psalm 63:2]
Past experiences of God’s glory seen amongst his people remind me of what could be.
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. [Psalm 63:3]
Reflecting on past experiences of God’s love and the impact that had can remind me that his love is the essence of life, so I can choose to glorify him, no matter how I feel.
I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. [Psalm 63:4]
When I thirst, praise is a choice reflecting a relationship that perseveres with God despite his apparent absence.
I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. [Psalm 63:5]
So, I worship God even in the most barren times, confident that in time God will satisfy me with rich spiritual food. Barren times ask the question – How much do I value God?
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