A topic we hear a lot about at the beginning of a new year is new year’s resolution. Some examples could be to establish a business, have a better work-life balance, go on vacation more, or save more. Moreover, we could set our minds on spiritual goals, such as attending services, reading the Bible, and serving others. But I would like to remind us of the most fundamental aspect of our Christian walk – a personal, intimate relationship with God.
A deep sense of hunger and thirst in our heart for God should be number one on our list of priorities for this year.
The Bible tells us of David, who yearned to know God earnestly.
In Psalm 5:3, David said – My voice You will hear in the morning, O Lord. In the morning, I will direct it to You, and I will look up.
Psalm 25:5 – Lead me in your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my Salvation. On You, I will wait all day.
Psalm 63: 1 – O God, You are my God; early will I seek You. My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for you in a dry and thirsty land, where there is no water.
Verse 8 says - My soul follows close behind You, Your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 143:6 – My soul longs for you like a thirsty land.
I would like to draw your attention to a few keys words in the scripture I just read:
Morning, all day, early and thirst and thirsty
David referenced seeking God early/in the morning – setting his priorities straight by putting God first – and waiting on Him all day – acknowledging that the presence of God was crucial to him every second of the day.
David also referenced thirst and thirsty lands. Do you know the survival of humans and food supply depend on the abundance of water? Without water there is no life. In essence, David realizes that God is his sustenance, the only One who can satisfy his hunger and thirst.
And so like David, if we know that we can’t afford to not acknowledge God daily as the One who sustains us, we need to not just talk about wanting a personal relationship with Him, but actually walk the walk - the Christian Walk, which is defined by relationship with the Father. And because we know that talk is cheap, what should we do to follow through on wanting a deeper, intimate relationship with God?
We need to:
1) Ask God for hunger and thirst for Him. It’s not something we create; it’s a gift from God.
2) Draft a plan that will help us accomplish this goal. We need:
a. Consider what a deeper, intimate relationship with God means to us
b. Consider how to stay consistent in pursuing this relationship
c. Consider a daily routine that would you allow us to follow through daily
d. Then lastly, like the Nike slogan, Just do it, and be flexible to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
In conclusion, I pray that God will create a thirst in us that only He can quench, and a hunger that only He could satisfy, and the grace to follow through and walk the walk. Praise God!