Drink freely of God’s grace.
I sat quietly at my desk peering out the window, yet my eyes saw nothing, my mind languished numb against the onslaught of troubling thoughts — those worrisome, nagging doubts and fears. My mind was blank, therefore my eyes were looking, but not seeing.
I had prayed earlier, but even that was not in earnest. I was looking for God, but not seeing Him. Just sitting before Him with a blank stare.
My empty sight was abruptly shaken by movement on the forest’s edge. As the mental fog cleared I watched, mesmerized as a lovely doe and her newborn fawn entered the brush separating the forest from the road. My weary spirit lit up with life and light and all things wonderful as I watched this tender moment.
The doe led her baby to the roadside — a busy roadside that ribboned its way to the river and its haven for kayakers.
“No!” I pleaded in silence with the mother. “No, don’t take your baby across the road.”
But she was determined. It was an extremely hot and humid day on our mountain and her baby needed water from the creek that flowed through my property.
I knew that, but I didn’t like the difficulties the two had to overcome to get there.
So I prayed for them and watched as the river traffic ceased long enough for the momma and her baby to cross the road to take a long drink.
Thank You, Lord.
Out of nowhere a beloved verse came to mind, “As the deer pants for the water brook, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.”*
… so pants my soul for You, O God …
I knew the Lord was speaking to me. I could hear His quiet whisper within my heart.
Do you not know that it is I and I alone that will satisfy you? Do you not know that your life sustenance, your peace, your well-being comes from Me? Your anxious thoughts are not from Me, but if you do not approach Me as the All-Sufficient God, El Shaddai, you will not be satisfied and you will not be kept in perfect peace.
Only God can fill our emptiness.
I listened intently to the One who loves me. I knew He was calling me — He was waiting for me to come to Him and drink fully of His living water.
I realized the doe and her newborn set out for refreshment with intention and determination of heart. I too, had to respond to the thirst that screamed within me — the thirst that only the Lord could satisfy. I had to put obstacles and distractions aside and respond to the Voice within bidding me to come.
Are you weary? Do you long for peace, for deep satisfaction within your soul? Perhaps there is a yearning you can’t describe — an emptiness that calls out to you from day to day. The emptiness is a God-shaped vessel in your heart prepared perfectly for the Spirit of God who desires to dwell within you. His liquid love flows upon the Living Water seeping into the empty place, carrying nuggets of peace and brimming with grace.
But only if we will be still and drink.
Dear one, drink! Drink freely of His grace. Drink freely of the Living Water that flows from the throne of God.
Dear Nan, this so blessed my heart! You know my struggle. I know God is in my struggle with me, but I’m so very weary. Thank you for the encouragement I need at this moment.
I’m so thankful this encouraged you. Yes, your struggle is immense, but our faithful and good God is right there with you holding and comforting and making everything beautiful in His time.
Loved the story of the deer and their desire to seek out refreshment, Nan. Thank you for sharing this beautiful reminder of our true source of refreshment. Your site is a delight, my friend. Well worth the wait. 🙂
Thank you for your sweet words Cathy. I gain much insight from the glory of God’s creation where lessons abound. Thanks for stopping by.
Nan, I love the visual of the momma deer and her baby seeking water – and the reminder of where my thirst can be satisfied – in Him alone. Thank you!
Oh Crickett, thank you. I can’t see a deer without thinking of that scripture (and song), but when I saw these two seeking water … wow! Thanks for stopping by.
Beautiful description, Nan. God is always standing by with plenty of fresh water. We need only drink. Thanks!
Thank you Connie. It’s so true! If we will only stand still long enough to listen to Him calling our name.
Nan, I’ve been in that place of being stuck in a fog of worry, or doubt, or plain selfishness. And then all at once, my Lord does something special to draw me back to Him again like he did with the momma and baby dear. God is so good! Thanks for sharing.
You’re so welcome Beckie. I love the tenderness of God as He meets the needs of His child. Thank you so much for stopping by.
The deer you saw are a beautiful picture of our thirsty souls needing God. Thank you, Nan.
Yes, I agree. I’ve learned to be aware of the nudges from the Holy Spirit as He reveals His glory through creation. I’m a visual learner, so He often speaks loud and clear to me during those times. Thank you for stopping by. Bless you Katy 🙂
This blessed my heart so much Nan. Thank you! 🙂
That makes my heart smile. I’m so thankful it ministered to you.