2021 Daily Devotion - Day 424

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“As the deer pants for the water – so my soul longs after You.” This phrase from the well-known hymn, “As the Deer” written by Martin Nystrom, brings up a clear image of a deer seeking water; perhaps during a warm summer’s day. What about the phrase, “So my soul longs after You” – perhaps not a clear visual, but an emotional phrase to which we all can relate. Haven’t we all “longed for” or “yearned for” something which is out of our reach? Yet, have we ever longed for or yearned for our Lord? Longed for a better, more meaningful relationship with Him?

During these past months of social distancing, there have been many “longings” – to be in person with family and friends, to return to school, to go to sporting events, to return to work. Yet, few of these “longings” have actually occurred. However, our yearning for our Lord, a reaching out to Him is ours for the taking – anytime, anywhere, no matter what! This yearning for a closer, more intimate relationship is a very real longing and it IS possible to have. Rather than sit passively and “wait” for Him to reach out to us, let us reach out to Him through prayer and through song, letting Him know of our yearning for a closer relationship with Him. He has promised to hear our prayers and answer them.

Psalm 42:1
As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, many times we long for earthly things, material things. Yet, the
more important desire of our heart is for a closer relationship with You. As we reach for You, may we be once again refreshed in the beautiful relationship we have with You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Pam Wheeler
Mount of Olives Church Choir Member and Worship Leader
Mount of Olives Church
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