Sonbeams

Do Not Thirst in 2021

Kimberly Howellby Kimberly Howell

2020 has abounded with many unexpected things world-wide, that by now Christians should be basking in their Bibles and drawing closer, than ever before, to the Lord.

This year people thirsted for many things:

    • To go shopping
    • To go on vacation
    • To go to work
    • To live without wearing a mask
    • To go to church
    • To sing
    • To go out to eat
    • To have weddings and birthday parties, etc.
    • To visit family
    • To do as one pleases, etc.

But, did you thirst for the Bible? Or, is your Bible still on a shelf collecting dust? We all fail at reading our Bible on occasion, but when it happens does you feel an emptiness inside? Do you feel a sadness, such as the sadness you felt this year when you could not do the things in our list above?

Nehemiah 8:9 “…For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.”

In Nehemiah, it is recorded that the people wept when they heard God’s Word preached. They had been without the Word of God for quite some time. Do you shed tears when you’ve been without your daily Bible reading? Do you thirst and long to be with the Lord and his Word? Do you long to be in church service? How about every church service? How much thirst do you have to hear from God’s Word?

Personally, I have made a time, each day, while eating my breakfast that I also feed on the Word of God. This works best for me. My family knows to leave Mom alone at breakfast because that is her quiet time with her Bible. I think it began this way so I could get my Bible reading in before my younger girls (who are now grown) would become active for the day.  I even pray before my feet hit the floor when I get out of the bed each morning. If I don’t pray before my feet hit the floor, I get so busy so quickly with daily routines around my house that I miss my prayer time with the Lord.

When I’ve missed my daily Bible reading, I crave it and I just can’t get my mind on anything else until I sit down and spend time with the Lord. Spiritually, it is the fuel for my entire day.

Amos 8:11 “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.”

We may have thirsted for many things in 2020 and most people I know have a Bible or several in their houses, cars, and even on their phones. This is the one thing none of us should have thirsted for in 2020 or in any year. If we did thirst for it, it is our own fault and not that of any government. So, here is an encouragement for the new year 2021.

    • Do not thirst for the Word of God.
    • Be in it daily.
    • Be in it often.
    • Drink from it.
    • Memorize it.
    • Bask in it.
    • Engulf yourself in the Word of God

One of my favorite hymns is “Springs of Living Water.” Here are the lyrics to the chorus.

“Drinking at the springs of living water,
Happy now am I, my soul they satisfy;
Drinking at the springs of living water,
O wonderful and bountiful supply.”

Do not thirst in 2021, or any year thereafter, for the Lord and his presence in your life. Drink from his springs of living water. Draw close to him; stay close to him. Grow in the nourishment of his Word.

Note: After reading this, if you wish to leave a comment, scroll all the way to the bottom past my photo and other links to articles and you will see a place to leave a message. Thanks and Happy New Year.

 

Kimberly Howell

I was born in 1967 and I have been living in sunny Whakatane, New Zealand since Christmas 2010. My husband pastors a church and it has been a delight living in New Zealand. We both are originally from Maryland, USA. I have been amazed at the beautiful landscapes and stunning wildlife, especially the birds in New Zealand. Many of the native birds visit our modest yard on a daily basis. I was blessed at one time to have several aviaries with finches. In 2021, I had surgery to remove my appendix which was filled with cancer and then breast cancer surgery and radiation. It was an interesting year. Prior to my surgeries, my husband had two back surgeries. I'm glad God knows best even if I do not understand all he is doing. In 2022, for 6 months, I traveled to the US to put my youngest daughter into college in Arizona. People I met, during this trip, spiritually lifted me up in ways they will never understand. I'm glad God is in control of everything. Resting, gardening, and reading my Bible are cherished pastimes. It gets my mind off everything. We all need those places we can go and get our minds off everything. A place that is encouraging and comforting and at the same time give a little pricking of the heart to keep us trying our best to serve the Lord. I hope this Blog will be such a place for you. A place to find encouragement and comfort along with a few smiles.

View all posts by Kimberly Howell →

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4 thoughts on “Do Not Thirst in 2021”

  1. Oh, that we would allow God’s word to quench our souls regularly! The past two years for me have been difficult with illnesses, etc. which affected my time with the Lord when I really needed it the most! For the last few months, I have purposely focused on drinking more liquids to keep from becoming dehydrated. One of my goals for the coming year is to concentrate more on my devotional time! I don’t want to remain spiritually dehydrated!

    1. If we are suppose to drink over 6 glasses of water a day for our physical bodies, imagine if we spent 6 different times a day in the Bible or in prayer?

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