Daily Devotional for Wednesday, August 14

David’s Thirst for God

“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is,” Psalm 63:1.

I can tell I am getting older. I have reached the stage in life where I now complain about the “younger generation.” I do worry about them though. In so many ways, a large portion of teenagers and those in their twenties show little sign of wanting to achieve anything. For instance, teenagers are delaying getting their driver’s license. They spend less time going out with friends. They are delaying moving out of the house, getting married and having children. They do work, but often it is just enough work to have a phone and wi-fi. Their passions are vague and often require little from them.

All of that concerns me, of course, but even more, I am concerned about their passion for God. As I read of David’s thirst for God, I was struck by his strong language. Early he would seek God. No waiting for this, but right away he would follow after God. His soul thirsted for God. He needed God, just like we need water or we die. His flesh longed for God in a dry and thirsty land. His thirst is not the thirst of a 70-degree day near a water fountain. This was thirst in the desert after walking miles in 100-degree heat.

How much do you need God? How often do you think of Him? Are you glad to have a sip of God now and then, or do you long for His presence? It convicted me when I read the opening of this psalm. Far too often I am content with a swig here and there. In times of difficulty I might sense His absence, but so often I plod along without Him.

PRAYER
“Make me thirst for You above all else, Jesus. Make me seek You early and often. Amen.”

Jason Rutherford