As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalm 42:1-2

   A young man asked a wise elderly teacher how he could find God. The gentleman asked the young man to come with him to the river. The young man expected to receive some wise words along the riverbank.  But when they arrived, the old man walked out into the water, so the young man followed. Suddenly, the teacher grabbed the young man and forced him under. The seconds ticked by and the young man began to fight against the firm grip holding him down. Right before everything went black, the hand released him and he blasted out of the water, gasping for air. As he gagged and choked, he shouted, “What were you doing? Trying to kill me?” The teacher said, “When you want God as much as you wanted that breath of air, you will find Him.” How much do you want God?

   There are two possible reasons why a deer pants and searches for water. One, it has been on the run. Perhaps a predator or hunter has given chase and the animal is faltering under the pressure. Two, it has been living in drought conditions and the heat is taking a toll.

  These same reasons should drive us to seek out the living God. First, we can spend all our lives running — chasing after security, significance, wealth, fame, or affirmation. The pace and pressure of constant striving wears us out. We need rest for our souls that only God can give. Second, we may experience times of dryness — periods of emptiness that come with disappointment or failure. We need living water to bring life back into our desert and refreshment to our spirits.

   A panting deer, desperate for water, seeks until it finds relief.
 “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

Dear Lord, I want more of You in my life — more of Your guidance, more of Your assurance, more of Your grace. Slow me down when I am running ahead of You. Lift me up when I am faltering. Help me to seek You with all my heart.