Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Instinct

Can you see it? Over there. In the woods. I see a deer bristling with perspiration, mouth open, gasping for air. He's running. Leaping. Battling the fallen trees and thick underbrush. The enemy has been in hot pursuit. The deer lost the predator at the bend in the gnarly trail, but he is exhausted and parched. He needs water to strengthen himself.

The deer pauses, cocking his head toward the clearing to his right. He pricks his ears to the gurgling of a brook calling to his thirst. Instinctively, the deer turns in the direction of the flowing water. Desperation begins to leave his countenance. His frantic leaping calms to a steady walk, and carries him to the edge of the pristine water.

Bowing at the water's edge, the deer drinks slowly and deeply of the liquid treasure. No longer is he thirsty. No longer is he weak. The deer has found strength for the journey.

"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" ~ Psalm 42:1,2, NIV

I have begun to understand thirst - not physical, but spiritual thirst - thirst that can only be satisfied by the River of Living Water that flows from the throne of God. 

In recent years, depression and anxiety have become my constant companions. Fears for the future, fears of where our next meal will come from, even concerns for my health have become fodder for the enemy's torment. It seems I can stand strong against him for awhile and then the battle fatigue begins to set in. My soul becomes parched, my spirit defeated. Each day becomes more difficult than the one before. 

I am learning that when I am overwhelmed with these faith-threatening symptoms, I need a drink. I need to run desperately to the foot of the cross and meet my Jesus there. Instinctively. Intentionally. I need to drink long from the Living Water of God.

Do you also wrestle with fear and anxiety? Are you lonely? Bitter? Exhausted? Sweet friend, when you feel overwhelmed with life's hardships, drink of the Living Water. Jesus will call to your thirst. Listen and you will hear. Run to Him and pour out your heart. Empty your heart of everything that burdens you. Yes, empty it so He can fill you anew with peace, hope, and joy. Rest in His Presence, sing of His glory, feast on His Word.

He will not disappoint you.



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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page. I found a song I've never heard before by a singer I've never heard of: "Living Water" by Kees Kraayenoord. He is fabulous! I know this song will bless you and give you strength for the journey.