It was the first day of RAGBRAI 2021 (Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa). I’d heard about this event for years, but this was my first time doing it. And although the forecast was for temperatures in the 90’s that day, I was excited. So many people, so much adrenaline!
If only I’d listened to my experienced riding partner who’d told me repeatedly, “Make sure you stay hydrated. If you’re not stopping to pee at least four or five times today, then you’re not drinking enough.”
But I didn’t listen. And by the time we’d ridden almost 90 miles that first day, I was so dehydrated that when I got off my bike I collapsed on the ground and couldn’t move for several minutes.
We can be like that in our spiritual lives, too, can’t we? We justkeep “pedaling,” not taking time to refresh our spirit, and before we know it, we find ourselves depleted to the point where we collapse. That’s true whether you’re a common person or a king.
Just ask King David, the most famous king in ancient Israel.
Psalm 63 is attributed to him and is said to have been written when he was in the wilderness of Judah (southern Israel). I’ve been there myself on several occasions, and I can tell you that it’s really barren there! So, I can easily imagine how he could’ve gotten thirsty walking those dry, rocky hills. But his wasn’t just a physical thirst. No, his very soul was worn down from theconstant struggles of leadership, so much so that he began his psalm by crying out, “O God… my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”
Ever felt that way? I certainly have, quite recently, in fact. Which is why I need to block out regular time to refresh my spirit by reading my Bible and other inspirational writings, listening to uplifting music, and simply coming before God inprayer. Maybe you don’t have a lot of time to squeeze in a “devotional moment” each day, but even if it means setting your alarm just five minutes earlier, I believe you’ll find it worthwhile to start your day by reminding yourself whose you are and how very much you are loved.
In fact, why not start by reading Psalm 63 for yourself or listening to this beautiful musical version of it on YouTube:
Then, I invite you to join me in prayer.
Loving God, my soul does get awfully thirsty at times. Help me to remember that you’re the source of “living water” that never runs dry (John 4:13) and to look to you for “hydration” each day. Amen
Dave Marty is a retired pastor who lives with his wife, Mary, in Brownsburg, Indiana. They have two beautiful daughters, two great sons-in-law, and two creative teenage grandchildren. In addition to cycling (including unicycling), Dave also enjoys gardening, Scrabble, hosting Holy Land tours with Mary, and tutoring kindergarteners at a nearby school