What does this look like? What does it feel like - to "thirst" this way? To want to be with God? How do we recognize the thirst when it comes? This may sound crazy, but sometimes when I'm thirsty I think I want a piece of gum. You know, I'm driving down the road and think, "I need gum," and later realize, "Boy, I haven't had anything to drink in awhile." I wonder if we do this spiritually. We think we need a good book, or coffee, or a new hair style, when what our soul is really longing for is time with God - to know His story, to be filled with his strength, to live as the beauty He made me to be. "When can I go and meet with God?"
So, for the last week, I've been pondering - What other emotions have we mislabeled? Have we categorized our feelings to such an extent that we don't realize what the overarching need is? Let's say I feel lonely. Why did God give me that emotion? Why do I have an inner longing for relationship and belonging? Or take frustration. Why do I get frustrated with the life around me? Why, some days, do I feel pent up and like I could burst? Or let's look at weariness. I've been way too busy, doing too much, and my body, soul and spirit are all calling out to me to get more rest. Could any of these be THIRST? What if God gave us this whole spectrum of feelings - which come unbidden - in order to point us to Himself? What if loneliness is truly thirst for the Living God? What if anger is thirst for His justice? What if frustration is thirst for His ways? What if weariness is thirst for His rest?
Is it possible that the enemy of our soul has invested years in our culture, education, traditions and relationships to convince us that our needs will be met by solutions of this world? So, when we feel lonely, we call a friend. When we feel angry, we take 10 deep breaths and write in our journal. When we feel frustrated, we try to be better Christians. And when we feel tired, we berate ourselves for allowing our schedules to be too full - and we seek to solve the problem by controlling our calendar and getting to bed earlier at night. (I speak only from my own experience here!!) Is it possible the joy-stealer wants us chewing stale gum instead of drinking from the fountain of Life?
The Bible says His divine power has given us everything we need for life. (2 Peter 1:3) So is it possible that any need we have in life, can be met by Him? Even our physical needs? Can there be physical ramifications to spiritual truths? Can time with God give us more energy? Can time with God give us wisdom as parents - therefore creating peace in our homes? Can seeking God make me a better provider of nutritious meals for my family? Can time spent with God help our financially stuck spots? Can God meet my needs for relationship, health, meaningful work. . .
I think most of us would say, "Yes, of course God can meet all our needs." But when it comes to the daily grind - and I can only speak of my days - it's difficult to see how God could have an impact on the soccer games we have to play in the pouring rain, or the remodeling project that has gone way too long.
Why does it matter what we call our emotions? What would it change if I called loneliness, for example, "Thirst for God?" Well, I think it might change everything. Because if I realize that any need can be met by God, then I admit that any longing, frustration, sadness, anger, - any emotional awareness of need - is HIS GIFT to me, to draw me to Himself. It's THIRST. It's my soul's longing for God. It's awareness that I need God more than life itself. And if I truly believe that, then when I'm faced with a need, I will turn to God first - to quench my thirst. And if I turn to God first, what isn't possible?!
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