Thirst

I open my mouth and pant because I long for Your commands. - Psalm 119:131

If you have never heard of "Cat and Dog Theology," then I highly recommend you pick up this book Cat and Dog by my good friend, Gerald Robison. While the analogy certainly has its limits, Gerald stresses the difference between a "cat-Christian" (one who believes that this life is all about them (and a "dog-Christian" (one who believes that this life is all about Him (God).

When I came upon the verse above, I was reminded of the two dogs we had when we lived in hot, dusty West Africa. We kept a large bowl of water out for them in the courtyard and after some vigorous ball-catching and running they would practically "attack" the source of their refreshment. They were so thirsty! It almost seems that the Psalmist had such a picture in mind when he expressed his own panting, longing thirst for God's Word.

What are you thirsty for? What alone can slake that thirst? I guess it depends on whether you bark or mew.

God, help me to see others not as enemies or as ungodly but rather as thirsty people. And give me the courage and compassion to offer your Living Water, which alone quenches deep thirst. - Henri Nouwen