When life is comfortable it is very easy to slide into doing things on our own. However, when we are lead out beyond our own boundaries or understanding we soon come to know our limits.
Finding ourselves suddenly vulnerable can be scary. But if we press in, that vulnerability can reveal the deeper yearnings beneath the surface. What is it we are really longing for?
This week we are reflecting on what it means to thirst, and how we can rely on the God who brings water out of the rock and springs in the desert to sustain his people.
Sometimes feeling scared or exposed can bring out all of our doubts and insecurities. We suddenly recognise that we have no power over our current situation, and ask the question; “God how could you have lead us here?”.
Like the Israelites who had been rescued from slavery and sustained by God in the desert, we can be quick to doubt his goodness when things feel out of our control.
Picture this…you’re sitting in a dark cinema, the screen illuminating your face. You’re comfy in the chair, waiting for the film to start screening. You’re excited. And then during the adverts, a wave of Coca Cola fills the screen. Suddenly your taste buds come alive, your throat dries, and your brain tells you one thing.
I’m thirsty. I need a Coke.
Now you’re sitting there, trying to decide if you have enough time to run out and get an overpriced drink before the movie starts…
Yes, that’s probably just clever marketing, and yes maybe we’re probably just getting manipulated into believing we need something that we don’t. But on the other hand maybe we’ve just been reminded, awoken, to the fact that we’re thirsty.
In our rush to get to the cinema, buying the tickets, finding our seat, and getting settled for the film, we’ve overlooked the fact that we are in fact thirsty. And it just so happened that a Coca Cola advert highlighted it. And now we’re aware.
Take some time now to think about what you’re thirsty for.
It’s time to awaken thirst.
If you’re thirsty for Coke, I apologise…but let’s think bigger and wider than a parched throat. What do you thirst for? What is it in your life that needs watering?
Where is the thirst?
Now bring these things to God – the God who provides water from the rock in the desert – and know that the Lord is among us.