Day 1: Developing a Desire for God

Scripture

As a deer pants for flowing streams,

so pants my soul for you, O God.

My soul thirsts for God,

for the living God.

When shall I come and appear before God?

Psalm 42:1-2

Devotion

Imagine the scene: a deer running through the woods, literally dying of thirst. Panting, Frantically searching for a stream to drink from. Water is life. More than food, water is essential, and the deer can find none. This is the image, David says, of my relationship with God. I’m thirsty, I’m desperate, I can’t live another moment without His presence. I NEED God, David says. He goes on to say his tears have been his food night and day. He is seeking, waiting, weeping. He knows that without this water for his soul, he will die. This isn’t a cute, coffee-cup psalm. This is a desperate cry for the only thing that can satisfy. David’s desperation isn’t a sign of spiritual weakness. It’s a sign of spiritual strength. The moment we stop realizing just how dependent we are on the river of God is the moment we lose our desperation for His presence. Our prayer over the next 21 Days is that God would awaken us to our need for Him. That this 21 days would be a catalyst that launches us into a lifetime of hungering and thirsting for the river of life (Psalm 63:1). May we drink from the water that will never run dry (Isaiah 58:11). For that stream that makes glad the city of God (Psalm 46:4).

Application

Take 21 minutes over the next 21 days to seek God in prayer and the word. Start a bible reading plan like this one, and ask God to give you a desire for Him. You may not be thirsty now. Start eating His word, and you will begin to thirst for HIs presence.

Prayer

God, give me a renewed desire to be with you. Make my heart like the heart of David: desperate for your presence. Awaken me to my need for you. Make me like that deer. Thank you that as I seek you, you will satisfy me with your presence. Thank you that you are with me today. Come Holy Spirit, fill me again with your power and presence. I need you!

Looking for resources on Prayer & Fasting? Check these out!