SUNDAY - Devotional

READ: Psalm 73:25-28

(Answer the question/s below in your app notes)

• How do you respond to the statement “God is all I need”?

The desert sun was unrelenting in mid-September as I belayed my students at Joshua Tree. We’d hiked to a small summit midway up and spent most of the day climbing. By the early evening, as we packed up the last carabiners and ropes, we were exhausted.

It hit me as soon as I got into the sweltering van: I was parched. When was the last time I had water? A whole day of being active in the heat seemed to weigh me down all at once. I felt weak, my throat drier than the sandy landscapes we’d been conquering all day. Reaching for my water bottle that I knew was empty, I tried desperately to feel the last few drops of condensation on my tongue. I asked around if anyone had water they’d be willing to share. The trunk was empty of any extra water bottles. It was looking like I’d have to wait until we got back.

Except I was so thirsty that I couldn’t wait the hour drive. I pulled over at a gas station right outside the park and greedily bought three bottled waters, guzzling them without restraint. It felt extraordinary to hydrate.

When you feel thirsty, it’s your body’s way of telling you it needs water. I’ve heard that by the time you feel that thirsty feeling, your body actually has been dehydrated for a while. Your body, ever determined to maintain its health the best it can, is an amazing system of signals and reminders even for those of us who aren’t very good about drinking water and forget to hydrate (me).

What spiritual signals do you have in your life that remind you of your need for God? What reminders get you back on track for pristine spiritual health? Reflect on the symptoms you notice when you ignore your need for God. How can you pay attention to these signals this week?