Today’s Scripture readings:  Psalm 63.1-11, 98; Deuteronomy 8.1-10; 1 Corinthians 1.17-31; Mark 2.18-22

Today’s Writer:  John Pitt

In a dry and parched land…

The sun was a glowing orange-red, and was sinking into the shimmering deep of the Indian Ocean.  We finished 6 ½ weeks of service in rural Kenya and were gathering together for rest and preparation before returning to The States.  I was struggling with emotions; that is – my lack of them.  It was a picturesque setting, and we were gathered around a guitar for some worship on the beach, and my heart was nowhere to be found.  In fact, it was indignant and resistant even to singing the songs.

Our worship leader said this at the beginning of the next song: “Sing anyway, even if your heart is not into it.  It’s not about your emotions.”  My mutiny was immediately leveled like a grove of trees by hurricane-force winds.  It was The Lord speaking to me.  I still struggle to approach Jesus without a “what will I get” attitude.

Our hearts periodically are a dry and parched land.  The pursuit of my own fulfillment and glory quietly and quickly renders my inner life a parched and dusty desert.  Sometimes life is simply more wilderness than green pasture.

The amazing thing about God, is His love for us that provides the opportunity to carry on and even persevere.  What we are lacking can be found in Jesus.  We can choose Him, even in the midst of our barrenness.

Despite our continually wandering hearts, God is waiting for us and ready.  He is our provider in the desert.