Challenge yourself to recite John 4:13-14 by memory as best you can.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says,

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

In our focus and determination to follow Jesus, the goal is to progress toward Him continually. When things are going well, though, it is easier to trust our abilities rather than to follow Him. Is this something you have found to be true in your life? Why or why not?

Read Proverbs 3:7-8 and Matthew 7:24-27 How can thirst be a path to wisdom in God? Thirst reminds us of our need for God. It sends us on the journey of finding confidence in Him rather than in ourselves and our abilities. If our faith rests in ourselves, we will not have Him as our foundation when difficult times come. Thirst can be the beginning of a deepening trust in Him as we move beyond our understanding, letting knowledge about Him move from what we know in our minds to a deep trust and reliance on Him in our relationship.

Thirst seems to be a roadblock in our spiritual journey, but what if we saw spiritual longing as a way to help us find the road back to dependence on God for life’s journey? How might our perspective change?

Jeremiah 6:16a “Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.’”

When our souls’ thirst, we find rest when we look to God for direction.

Take a few minutes to contemplate if you earnestly seek God. If you realize you do not, reflect on why this is true. Is it because you are busy? Maybe you know you have been living religious rules rather than a relationship. Perhaps, you are beginning to realize you do not trust God. It could be you are afraid of earnestly seeking Him for what you believe He might say. Discovering why you do not earnestly seek God in your life will give you guidance and direction forward in your spiritual thirst. Sit quietly with God for a few minutes. Spend time in prayer about what you are discovering with Him.

Pray the words of Psalm 63:1 “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.”