"Desert Springs" May 17 Readings: 2 Samuel 23-24, John 2:13–3:15, Psalm 63, Proverbs 13:7-8

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Today's Readings - 2 Samuel 23-24, John 2:13–3:15, Psalm 63, Proverbs 13:7-8


Devotional - Desert Springs


A few years back I completed a marathon in the New Mexico desert, trudging over a mountain, through deep sand, and across the desert flats in searing heat. One thing I learned that day - walking in the desert creates a deep thirst. It didn't seem to matter how much water and Gatorade I drank, I was always craving more.

David spoke, in Psalm 63, of the thirst of a deer in the wilderness.
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
    my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
    as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

In a dry and desolate land, a land without water, David experienced thirst. This world offers so many types of poison water; libations that look satisfying but do not quench the soul's thirst. Money. Pleasure. Entertainment. Selfish ambition and achievement. All present themselves as the satisfaction of the soul, but they do not provide what they promise.

This world is a desert, a spiritual wasteland. The best it offers is mirages that cannot slake the deep thirst of the human heart. If we seek contentment, joy, and life from this world we will be deeply disappointed.

But David knew where to go for the living water, the water of life. He eagerly sought God and thirsted for him. Not just his blessings or the good things he gives, but for God himself. His desire for God was so strong that his body actually felt faint!

God is the source of life and those who seek him will be satisfied.

Father, you are my life. All too often I forget that and seek the bitter water of this world or dive into the mirages that deceive. But you are life and hope and joy, and I seek you. 

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

Where do you look for the water of life?
Do you look to money or possessions for sustenance? To other people? Pleasure?
Or do you go to the source of the living water of life?


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