As the deer...

Our neighborhood has over 2100 homes and we are blessed to have found a home that backs up to woods and the Harpeth River. This morning I was up early and, for the first time, caught sight of deer crossing through the woods. I, of course, grabbed my camera, and watched them for a while. They ate, looked for drink in the frozen standing water, and simple stood still, gazing around. 

I am a lover of nature and the beauty that it holds. Nature usually turns my mind to God and truths written in His Word. As I watched the deer, I was reminded of these verses:

As the deer pants for the streams of water,

so my soul pants for you, O God.

My soul thirsts for God,

for the living God.

When can I go and meet with God?

Psalm 42:1-2

Unlike the deer who are active in their pursuit for the things that sustain them, I often neglect the very One who gives me life and strength. I forget to seek God and spend time with Him. The result is often dissatisfaction, ungratefulness, and emptiness. I am left looking for more.

Yesterday's snow day gave me time to read my journal from the past year. I noted scriptures that had been helpful and important to me:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own  understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3: 5, 6)

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:28)

"Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust Him and He will do this:

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,

the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him..." (Psalm 37:3-7a)

Interstingly, the Bible study at church last night included all of these verses. I am thankful for scripture and the relentless way God uses it to draw us to Him. I pray I will learn to be more relentless and consistent in my pursuit of Him!