As the Deer Pants

Discipleship Devotional, January 31st, 2025

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?
– Psalm 42:1-2 (NIV)

Cultivating zeal and a passionate pursuit of God’s will holds immense significance for every believer. If one’s desire for the presence of God wanes, it raises concerns. Our anchor text and numerous other scriptures resonate with David’s fervent expressions of yearning for God’s presence. Even though David didn’t possess the indwelling Spirit as we do, his ardent pursuit of God’s presence should ignite an even more profound passion within us.

In the past, I embarked on a mission to rectify the misconception of believers praying for God to “fill them” or “send His Spirit” (essentially requesting what God has already granted). I was wary of teachings about believers “thirsting” or “hungering” for God. I would reference where Jesus said that if you partake of Him, you won’t “hunger,” and if you drink of Him, you won’t “thirst.” However, I realized this stance was somewhat extreme, as some people used these terms to convey their zeal for God, not necessarily implying the misconception I had highlighted.

Hence, I realized the need for greater care in delivering my message, aiming not to unintentionally diminish anyone’s sincere zeal. Because zeal and passion for God are of paramount importance. It is this zeal and hunger that the Apostles had which made them do exploits for Christ. We also must not lag in zeal. We have been recreated in Christ to have a primary yearning: the yearning to please God, know Him, and serve Him. This zeal is what makes us pant after Christ like the deer pants for the water brooks.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
– Romans 12:11 (NIV)

Prayer:
Thank You, Father, for Your Spirit in me, causing me to be more zealous for You.