The Atacama Desert, located in South America, is known as one of the driest places on earth, averaging about one millimeter (0.04 inches) of rainfall per year. The air is so arid that even the mountain-tops, measuring a height of 22,589 feet, are completely free of snow and ice. That is one barren piece of land.
Yet, despite the seemingly uselessness of such a place, the Atacama Desert has become a scientist’s delight. Due to its high altitude and dry air, almost non-existent cloud cover, plus lack of light pollution and radio interference from populated cities, the Atacama Desert is one of the best places to conduct astronomical observances.
How reassuring it is to know that our spiritual walk doesn’t have to mirror such a permanent state of infertility. When we find ourselves in a state of unfruitfulness, we can call upon the Lord and He will supply.
The psalmist’s yearning for “my God” is personal and deep, magnified by the awareness of a greater and spiritual void. It is in the times of our “dry spells” that we tend to see our neediness, feel the most vulnerable, and cry out to God for satisfaction. Our spiritual tanks have become depleted, thirsting for replenishment.
God’s presence and ability to fill that empty space is readily available. It is we who allow our circumstances to obstruct the view, causing us to search blindly and desperately for relief. Finally, in exasperation and exhaustion, we cry out, “my soul thirsteth for thee.” An endless reserve of thirst-quenching nourishment is immediately poured upon our weary souls, refreshing our spirits anew.
When you grow weary and disregard the plentiful resource that only “my God” provides, drink deeply from the waters of the Living God and be refreshed in your mind, body, and soul. We can encounter infinite blessings and benefits once our thirsting souls are filled to capacity.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and StefaninLA.)
(For more devotions, visit us at www.christiandevotions.us.)
Karen Finn is not a best-selling author, but she wouldn’t mind if that became a part of her portfolio someday. After years of freelance writing for both secular and Christian publications, Karen bravely ventured into the world of self-publishing, and Precept Publishing was born. Karen has been involved in youth and women’s ministries for more than twenty years. As she became more familiar with teaching teen girls, Karen saw the need for material that would challenge and convict them in their spiritual walk. Is Your Fruit Sweet or Sour? A Teen Girl’s Guide to Christian Living is a result of that burden. It is her first published book and is a recipient of the Book of the Year 2013 Award with the Christian Small Publisher Association (CSPA), young adult (12+) category. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Karen now resides in sunny South Carolina with her husband and family.