Developing a Real Thirst For God (& 2 Great Giveaways!)

Psalm 42:1-2 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

When I read the verse above, I envision a sweet little deer, thirstily yet calmly wandering around the lush, green forest in her search for water. But the word “pant” really isn’t a subtle, gentle description of thirsting.

 

 

The actual definition of “pant” is this:  to breathe hard and quickly, as after exertion; to gasp, as for air; to long with breathless or intense eagerness; to yearn: to throb or heave violently or rapidly.

All-righty then…….that mental picture of panting doesn’t look all that serene. Yet, that is  exactly the type of thirst that God wants us to have for Him. Such an insatiable longing for His Word,  that when we wake up in the mornings, we immediately head to the Bible instead of the coffee pot.   A desire so strong for a glimpse of Him, that our heart palpitates in anticipation, unable to calm until a dose of scripture soothes it. A yearning to hear from God that is so intense, that we find ourselves almost breathless until we drop to our knees, eagerly opening up a conversation with Him.

It’s hard to imagine really feeling that way about God’s Word or prayer, isn’t it?  Especially when we know that a normal morning involves hitting the snooze one too many times, spastically jumping out of bed, running around like a chicken with our head cut off trying to get ourselves and all the kids ready to leave, and then trying to refrain from exhibiting signs of road rage on the way to our destination.

What comfort to know that Jesus understands that life is busy. He sees our crazy routines and feels the weight of our emotional and physical obligations. And He patiently waits for us to find time to meet with Him, without judgement or frustration or anger. Maybe He feels a little sadness, because He knows He holds the soothing balm that our soul needs, but He is ready to offer it when we are ready to receive it.

So how do we make time with Jesus a priority, when life is stressful, chaotic, busy and pressed for time? How do we force ourselves to have the motivation to get into God’s Word and make it a priority? And how do we even know where to start? Do we just open the Bible to a random page and hope that is the page we need to be on? Do we just start reading at Genesis 1 and go through Revelation and pray that God gives us the fortitude to trudge through it?

Maybe you have asked yourself those questions before, because these were certainly the questions that were in my mind a few years ago when I knew I needed to be better at reading God’s Word, but I honestly felt perplexed at how to do it.

Then I came across the One Year Chronological Bible, and God’s Word came alive in my heart.  I could read God’s story, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, in the order it actually happened. Like a great novel that’s hard to put down. It made sense and it was exciting…… and it soothed the thirst in my soul that had been there for so long.

The daily readings were perfectly organized into 365 days to help people like me – who are easily distracted with life and chaos – stay on track. And each day I recorded the answers to these few questions in a journal:

1. Is there a promise to believe in this passage?
2. Is there a sin to avoid?
3. Is there some new nuggets of truth about God to learn?
4. Is there a timeless principle to apply to my life?
5. How should I pray in regards to this scripture?
6. What does this scripture mean to me today, at this season in my life?

If we truly desire to make God’s Word more of a priority in life, rather than settling for a few spiritual crumbs occasionally when we get really hungry or desperate (as mentioned in my Proverbs 31 Devotion today titled More Than Crumbs), then this might be a great way for you to begin quenching your thirst for Jesus.

Maybe you haven’t even been aware of how spiritual thirsty you are, but once you begin drinking from the Spring of Life, I promise that you will experience life in a brand new, fulfilled, and thirst quenched way.

2 GREAT GIVEAWAYS ARE UP FOR GRABS TODAY!!

 

1. As promised in today’s P31 devotion, I am giving away an MP3 of my one hour message called Staying Afloat in A Sea of Stress. To enter to win, just leave a comment here  on my blog with your favorite scripture that soothes your soul. Winner will be announced on my blog on Friday so be sure to check back,  or subscribe to my blog to receive updates!

 

2. You may also want to consider entering my “What I’m Most Thankful For” Contest!  This prize package is worth $60 and includes 2 copies of my new book Stressed-Less Living, 2 Stressed-Less Living Companion Journals, a package of pumpkin flavored coffee, and a couple cute Thanksgiving decorations. 

Below is how you enter:

 

* Post a photo of something you are most thankful for on the Stressed-Less Living Facebook page, and type a quick comment about why you are thankful for that.

* Invite your friends and family members to hop over to the page and “LIKE” your photo.  And the photo with the most “LIKES” automatically wins the prize!

* Optional:  LIKE the Stressed-Less Facebook page to get daily stress tips, motivational quotes and scriptures verses, and invite your friends to LIKE it too!

(deadline to enter is November 23rd, winner announced November 26th!)

(PLEASE NOTE: WHEN YOU POST YOUR PHOTO ON THE FAN PAGE – IT WILL APPEAR IN A LIST OF RECENT POSTS, AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING WHEN YOU CLICK ON THAT LIST. THE PHOTO WILL NOT STAY UP IN FULL SIZE FORM AFTER POSTING, BUT IT’S THERE!)

If you are interested in  purchasing a copy of Stressed-Less Living: Finding God’s Peace In Your Chaotic World for you or a friend, CLICK HERE.

25 Comments

  1. Jean on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 9:05 am

    I really appreciated your P31 devotional today. The illustration of the seagulls really resonated with me. How often I search for crumbs of peace on the ground somewhere when Jesus is right there offering for me to sit at the table and feast with Him. Thanks for sharing that with us.
    My “go to” Scripture verse that comes to mind when I’m stressed or worried is: Psalm 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
    It is a great reminder that we never need worry about our surroundings or circumstances because the Lord knows where we are at all times and He is the One who takes care of our body and especially our soul.



  2. Norma on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 9:16 am

    Thanks for such a great illustration in your devotion today. It is encouraging to know that I am not alone in my struggle to make time with the Lord a priority amid all the constant demands on my time!
    The Scripture which I have claimed as my life verse is Isaiah 41:10 “fear not, for I am with you; be not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strenghthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” What a comforting promise that He will always give us the strength that we need!



  3. Debbie on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 9:26 am

    I LOVED the devotion today! I have my morning time with God and His Word every morning. But lately in the back of my mind/heart I am feeling like I need to go deeper into His Word, like I am barely scratching the surface. The devotion today and reading this blog have confirmed to me that I have only been getting the crumbs and it is time to not settle for that any more. The chronological bible has been on mind lately. I have no doubt that you sharing how it really helped you has confirmed that I need to get it. I am really excited about this, thank you Tracie for sharing! I have several verses that are my favorites, I am sure we all do, but one that I think about often is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, says The Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you future and a hope.” I am reminded that before I was born, God had plans for me! Wow!



  4. Michelle on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 9:33 am

    Loved the seagull analogy and this blog post was perfect timing. I’m trying to teach my teenage daughter (while learning more myself!) how to “read scripture”! 1Peter 5:7: Cast all your cares upon Him for He careth for you.
    The perfect verse for this high anxiety/panic disorder girl!



  5. Karen on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 9:55 am

    I loved the definition you gave for pant, to long with breathless or intense eagerness. I too want to long for God that way, to be consumed with a passion for Him. One of God’s promises that I am learning to cling to in my stressful life is found in Isaiah 26: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Thank you for sharing your thoughts today.



  6. Carol on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 10:35 am

    May we always be like the seagull that sweeps in to capture every bread crumb that our Lord gives us. I would love to win your give away. One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. I look to this verse on the days that I feel there is no hope.



  7. Dawn on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 10:46 am

    There are three versus that have helped me over my very stressful past year. Psalm 107:29 “He stilled the sotrm to a whisper; the waves fo the sea were hushed. Psalm 23:1-3 1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. (specifically he leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul). Finally Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

    The first two bring peace to my soul that is very hurt at this time and the last reminds me who walks with me every day.

    Have a blessed day!



  8. Carol on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 10:56 am

    Phil 4:6 – Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray (The Message). It’s so comforting to know that all I need to do is pray. But then I get caught up in the busyness of life and until something happens I leave God out. I don’t want to be a seagull, but I think I am! I like how you said it in your devotional – I dive bomb back into the Lord’s presence where He has been waiting for me.



  9. Marie on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 11:16 am

    Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It is awesome to know that He is with us at all times. Your “bread crumbs” statement speaks volumes. Our world is a busy place and we must remember to pray and spend time with the Father. In our business at times we neglect time with the Father and daily peace and assurance. Thanks for sharing – “you” are a blessing! Please enter me in your contest. Thanks so much. Be blessed….



  10. Kelly Harrington on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 1:07 pm

    Hebrews 6:19 (NASB)
    This hope we have as an anchor of the soul a “hope” both sure and steadfast
    Your post today was so timely. I am desperate for peace in the midst of living life, but
    lately it seems either/or. Need to be able to carry peace into the storms of life rather than always feeling the need to find peace by retreating from those challenges.



  11. Kelly Harrington on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 1:12 pm

    Great song by Bethal on theirrecent cd “Loft Sessions” that actually incorporates many of the verses posted above…
    “COME TO ME”



  12. Carol Ann on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 2:25 pm

    A very timely word for me. My favorite verse when stressed: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.



  13. Deena Burnham on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 3:25 pm

    With the Christmas sale discount on Prov 31 I could not pass up ordering you book. I have lived with a life of stress do to mental illness in my family for most of my adult life. It never seems to get easier, but God is showing me how HE deals with the stress that the world thinks should pull me under and drown me once and for all.
    My favorite verse is: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jerm. 29:11 NIV)

    If HE knows the plan and is in control, I just need to rest and obey. (JUST…sound easy, but it can be a lot easier if I trust HIM.)



  14. Robin on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 4:52 pm

    This past weekend I had the privilege of spending time with my daughter at her university at their “UN-Chapel” service and at her church service. The thing that struck me at both services was how in to the worship and prayer these groups of people were. I am sure that most of them had been quite busy, probably stressed out, and running from one place to the next when they arrived at these events. Yet, they were energized, excited, and fully devoted to the worship times. I remember being like that. I remember times when I could think of nothing better to do but spend time with the Lord. Now, I find myself watching the clock, anticipating when things will end so I can get on to the next “to-do”. I really need to give more time and be more intentional about time with the Lord. I loved reading the One Year Devotional that you mention. It was like ready a really great book and helped me learn a lot. I should od this again. 🙂



  15. Terri on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 5:16 pm

    Phillipians: 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

    When life becomes so difficult that I do not think I have the strength to endure I remember that he is strong when i am weak and i am not alone.



  16. Kathy Miller on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 7:31 pm

    We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
    2 Corinthians 4:7-9



  17. Narelle on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 8:34 pm

    “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”. Psalm 73:25-26.

    The unexpected ‘pit’ or ‘mire’ is never an easy place to be. But God is there. When life is dark, God’s promises hold fresh hope. During a difficult trial I have experienced God’s answers to my cries, amazing grace and a deeper more intimate faith with a loving and compassionate heavenly father. He is my strength and the only thing I ultimately desire. God is now very real!



  18. Peggy on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 8:27 am

    There are many Scriptures that are soothing to my soul but today God spoke to me in John 6:20 “It is I; don’t be afraid” and Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. And 1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. And in Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”



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  20. Debee Arambula on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 9:08 pm

    Good evening! Thanks a lot for this information!

    Question: can I reprint parts of “Developing a Real Thirst For God (& 2 Great Giveaways!)” on
    a different website? Thx! Have a great day!



  21. Deena Burnham on Monday, November 19, 2012 at 12:37 pm

    I am reading the
    Stressed-less Living book and it is cleaning my clock. I have had all the symptoms in the past, but still I just haven’t seemed to get how to not blame others and make it “All about God”. Working on that this week.
    Thanks you.



    • tmiles on Monday, November 19, 2012 at 1:44 pm

      Thanks Deena! Glad God is speaking to you through the book! We are always a work in progress. 🙂



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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.

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