Thirsting for God

“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” –Psalm 42:2a

Despite living in Denver for almost two years now, I am still learning what it takes to stay hydrated in the Mile High City. Not only am I drinking more water, but my skin is guzzling more lotion and I never leave home without chapstick. The minute I feel thirsty, I know I’m already dehydrated, and that the fatigue will kick in soon. It’s not like I never experienced thirst before I moved to Denver, or that I don’t know how to stay properly hydrated – but I’ve never had to be this proactive about preventing dehydration. Having only lived in humidity prior to coming to Denver, I took for granted the water that my body was getting simply by osmosis from the damp air.

Thirst is a sign that, physically, our bodies are in need of water. Thirst indicates an unfulfilled need. And the same is true when we use thirst to talk metaphorically about our spiritual lives. Even though the Spirit of the Living God is around us all the time, our souls sometimes struggle to soak in the love of God. The world is saturated with spiritual nourishment, however we cannot take for granted that our souls will be filled and refreshed no matter where we are or what we are doing because the world is also full of stimuli that sap our souls dry. Life is full of distractions, obligations, and temptations and sometimes an intentional time away from our daily routines is needed to build up our spiritual reservoir again. By the time the psalmist cries out to God that he is thirsty for living water, we can bet that he has been neglecting Sabbath, even if unintentionally.

Are you emotionally drained? Is your spirit parched of energy? Could your mind use some reflection? Does your body feel fatigued from anxiety and worry? These are all clues that a time of Sabbath rest and spiritual renewal are long overdue. And even if you feel spiritually healthy and have regular habits of replenishment in your life, times of communal retreat and growth are vital to our lives of faith and they proactively keep the reservoirs of our souls replenished!

Whether you are thirsting for God or swimming freely in the waters of the Spirit – the SoulJourners 2010 Fall Retreat is the place for you! Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, you are invited and encouraged to connect with friends of faith (new and old) at the Franciscan Retreat Center in Colorado Springs September 14-16 for the annual adult retreat of the ABCRM. Retreat leaders Val Isenhower and Judith Todd will guide us through our time together as we study, pray, worship, and experience through art and Word the theme of “Thirsting for God.”

Based on my experience at the SoulJourners Retreat last year, I am confident that this time together will be one of synergy and Sabbath both. Jesus is inviting you to renewal: “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water,’” (John 7:37-38). Come, be filled, and let the living waters flow! For retreat information and to register, visit http://www.abcrm.org/ministries/seniors.htm!

May the Spirit of the Living God fall fresh on you this day,

~

 

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