As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come and appear before God?     Psalms 42:1-2 HCSB

I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t really like water. I like the sweet taste of a good glass of sweet tea or even a Dr. Pepper now and then. I have found, however, the more water I force myself to drink water the more I want to drink water.

In Louisiana the summers are so hot and humid they can be unbearable. Working outside can cause a powerful thirst. It is important to hydrate with water and not some caffeinated, carbonated sugary drink. The water satisfies your thirst and provides much needed hydration. The longer remain in these conditions, the more water we need to consume.

Failure to do so can cause us to become dehydrated. If you have never been dehydrated, let me tell you it can make you feel terrible. It can cause all types of physical problems.

There are times when only water will do. If you have ever been extremely thirsty, like after working out in the Louisiana heat and humidity, you know what it’s like to crave water. If you have ever been away from God, then you know what it’s like to crave Him.

Just as only water will truly satisfy our thirst, only God will satisfy our souls. God is the only place our souls can find rest and contentment. He is the only place our souls can be hydrated and refreshed. Sadly, we may try to use all kinds of other things like sex, drugs, alcohol and/or gambling to fill that void but only God will do.

Drinking caffeine is not a good way to quench thirst because it dehydrates us. Drinking alcohol has the same effect. In the same way using these other things mentioned is not a good way to provide rest for our souls. It only makes our souls wearier. Only God can satisfy the needs of the soul.

Are you tired and hungry? Are you thirsty? Does your soul need to be quenched? Turn to God today. Don’t let the devil encourage you to turn elsewhere. Don’t believe his lies and false promises. Turn to God. Jesus tells us to come to Him and He will give us rest.

Jesus said in John 4:14 that whoever drinks of the water that He gives will never thirst again because the water He gives will become in that person a spring of water welling up to eternal life. He said in John 7:38, “Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

We were created in His image. He created us to be in close fellowship or a close relationship with Him. When we are not in close fellowship with Him things can easily get out of whack. If you have stepped away from God, come back. If you have never experienced the peace and joy that come from a close relationship with Him, draw near to Him and He will draw near to you (James 4:8).

Trust in Jesus today and satisfy your thirst. Get rest for your weary soul. Love Him with all your heart and obey His commands. Allow Him into your heart and you will never thirst again.

Have a great day!