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| Ricketts Glen |
I’ve been a Christian for nearly 45 years. I admit there have been many times when David’s words in Psalm 63:1 have echoed loudly through my soul:
“O God, you are my God, and I long for You.
My whole being desires You.
Like a dry, worn-out, and waterless land, my soul is thirsty for You."
Can anyone relate? So, how do we satiate this spiritual dryness? For me there are several ways God offers a refreshing drink of His presence. Learning how He is at work in other Christians always helps, as does a challenging, God-inspired sermon. Reading His Word and studying it with other Christians also eases the dryness. But for me, the most thirst-quenching, readily available remedy is music. Somehow, God draws very near and touches my inner-most being through music.
Maybe it’s because music has played a significant role in my life. I can still hear my dad and Uncle Junie harmonizing as they stood in our kitchen when I was a kid. No special occasion needed—they would just be talking, and something would remind them of a song. Soon they would be standing with their arms across each other’s shoulders, leaning in and singing their hearts out. As I got older, I was invited to join in. Such joy it brought!
Occasionally, I have been asked to sing at church. I like to pick songs that have impacted my own life, songs that have spoken truth and nudged me to be more for God. Although my voice may not be the best instrument God could have used, the music carried the words straight to people’s hearts.
And, while playing in band at school and college, I always felt a connection to something bigger than myself. Each of us adding our small, seemingly minor parts combined to create beauty that touched others, even without words. So humbling and powerful!
Recently God has led me to the music of Tim Janis, a composer of instrumental music inspired by the natural world. I often play his youtube videos while I pray in the morning. It never fails to bring me to the feet of Jesus in tears. The Holy Spirit uses Tim’s music to inspire both repentance and deep gratitude in my heart.
How do you combat spiritual dryness? How have you seen Him fulfill his promise from Isaiah 58:11?
“The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when
you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered
garden, like an ever-flowing spring."
Be encouraged!
©2022 Pamela D. Williams
writepam71@gmail.com
