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Julie Sanders

Julie Sanders

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September 7, 2011 ·

Combustible or Clinging?

Discouragement· Peace for life· Spiritual Growth· Stress

Are you watching pictures of the wildfires in Texas? One government website warned, “high winds and dry conditions can set the stage for potentially severe fires, putting lives and property at risk.” The region is experiencing extreme drought, making dry structures nearly combustible.

Have you ever felt so dry spiritually that you were nearly combustible? Living through a time of trial, under pressure from other people, circumstances may be ripe for a wildfire to tear through your life and leave charred remains. David was in the desert wilderness, being pursued by a one-time trusted person (Saul or David’s own son Absalom) when he admitted to knowing what it feels like to be close to combustible.

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I see you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1). 

Texans and those who have come to their aid are fighting their parched problems with all they have to throw at it from the ground and from the air. David didn’t just take the heat either; he threw the power of God back at it.

Because he knew God’s steadfast love is “better than life:”

  • he sought to know God … in the midst of his drought
  • he worshiped God for who He is … not deterred by his problems
  • he thought about God in dark desert moments  … in bed, alone
  • he meditated on God’s truth in times of temptation … in the “watches of the night”

We need to cling to something. If you feel like you’re “clinging” by a thread to the life God wants for you, follow David’s example in the parched land:  “My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me” (v.8). 

Like David, you’ll find living water for your parched throat … so you can praise God. You’ll find a shady place of shelter … under the shadow of God’s “wings.” When we’re under attack, we can focus on God’s steadfast love instead of the heat of life. Don’t give in and combust, friend! Before we get to a dangerous place, let’s let God satisfy our dry souls. 

Why combust when we can cling?

Take a step to satisfy your thirst today: 

  • Take time to read Psalm 63 aloud.
  • Make a list of the words David used to describe God in Psalm 63.
  • Listen to praise music that will speak to your spirit.
  • Carry a water bottle … as a reminder that the answer to your thirst is right at hand.

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Related

Previous Post: « Combustible or Clinging?
Next Post: We’re all asking »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mary@The Calm of His Presence says

    September 7, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    Wonderful post Julie. It is wonderful to know when we are ready to "combust" we can drinking in the living water of Christ. Thank you for this reminder.

  2. laughwithusblog says

    September 7, 2011 at 3:59 pm

    Thank you for the encouragement today Julie!

September 7, 2011 ·

Combustible or Clinging?

Discouragement· Peace for life· Spiritual Growth· Stress

Are you watching pictures of the wildfires in Texas? One government website warned, “high winds and dry conditions can set the stage for potentially severe fires, putting lives and property at risk.” The region is experiencing extreme drought, making dry structures nearly combustible.

Have you ever felt so dry spiritually that you were nearly combustible? Living through a time of trial, under pressure from other people, circumstances may be ripe for a wildfire to tear through your life and leave charred remains. David was in the desert wilderness, being pursued by a one-time trusted person (Saul or David’s own son Absalom) when he admitted to knowing what it feels like to be close to combustible.

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I see you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1). 

Texans and those who have come to their aid are fighting their parched problems with all they have to throw at it from the ground and from the air. David didn’t just take the heat either; he threw the power of God back at it.

Because he knew God’s steadfast love is “better than life:”

  • he sought to know God … in the midst of his drought
  • he worshiped God for who He is … not deterred by his problems
  • he thought about God in dark desert moments  … in bed, alone
  • he meditated on God’s truth in times of temptation … in the “watches of the night”

We need to cling to something. If you feel like you’re “clinging” by a thread to the life God wants for you, follow David’s example in the parched land:  “My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me” (v.8). 

Like David, you’ll find living water for your parched throat … so you can praise God. You’ll find a shady place of shelter … under the shadow of God’s “wings.” When we’re under attack, we can focus on God’s steadfast love instead of the heat of life. Don’t give in and combust, friend! Before we get to a dangerous place, let’s let God satisfy our dry souls. 

Why combust when we can cling?

Take a step to satisfy your thirst today: 

  • Take time to read Psalm 63 aloud.
  • Make a list of the words David used to describe God in Psalm 63.
  • Listen to praise music that will speak to your spirit.
  • Carry a water bottle … as a reminder that the answer to your thirst is right at hand.

Share with a friend?

  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • More
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Related

Previous Post: « Marriage Mondays: 10 Ways to Work on Marriage
Next Post: Combustible or Clinging? »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mary@The Calm of His Presence says

    September 7, 2011 at 7:51 am

    Wonderful post Julie. It is wonderful to know when we are ready to "combust" we can drinking in the living water of Christ. Thank you for this reminder.

  2. laughwithusblog says

    September 7, 2011 at 10:59 am

    Thank you for the encouragement today Julie!

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Thanks so much for stopping in. I'm glad you're here. I believe we're meant to know peace in our lives, so I write about how to find it in our relationships and how to share it with others. I like to keep things sourced in God's truth and useful for life. May your moments here leave you with a little more peace for your days.

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What others are saying

"Julie’s writings and teachings have been spiritual markers in my life. The deep knowledge of the Word she possesses, and they way in which she delivers it through her writing are deeply impactful. I would say that my favorite piece about Julie’s work is the way she speaks truth in love. She never waters down scripture to fit someone’s desires. And she does this with so much grace and compassion."

Susan - Homeschool Mom, Foster Mom & Business Consultant, Mt. Juliet, TN

Julie Sanders, Author and Speaker
5
2019-09-08T18:00:00-04:00

Susan - Homeschool Mom, Foster Mom & Business Consultant, Mt. Juliet, TN

"Julie’s writings and teachings have been spiritual markers in my life. The deep knowledge of the Word she possesses, and they way in which she delivers it through her writing are deeply impactful. I would say that my favorite piece about Julie’s work is the way she speaks truth in love. She never waters down scripture to fit someone’s desires. And she does this with so much grace and compassion."
https://juliesanders.org/testimonials/susan/
"Through the years and seasons of life, Julie willingly follows God's open doors and trusts Him at times when some windows have closed. I have gratefully watched, learned and gathered courage for my own following. Whether speaking, writing, or just being present, Julie's grace, wit, interests and love draw others closer in to listen and follow her in step with His grace and mercy."

Carla - Volunteer Coordinator, Harvest Church, Oswego, Illinois

Julie Sanders, Author and Speaker
5
2019-09-08T18:04:20-04:00

Carla - Volunteer Coordinator, Harvest Church, Oswego, Illinois

"Through the years and seasons of life, Julie willingly follows God's open doors and trusts Him at times when some windows have closed. I have gratefully watched, learned and gathered courage for my own following. Whether speaking, writing, or just being present, Julie's grace, wit, interests and love draw others closer in to listen and follow her in step with His grace and mercy."
https://juliesanders.org/testimonials/carla/
"Julie Sanders is uniquely gifted to speak the never-changing truth of God into the ever-changing lives of women. With authenticity and the confidence that grows from a journey of finding God faithful in every season, Julie calls women to find peace and comfort in Him alone."

Kristi - Women's Ministry Director, The Chapel in North Canton, Canton, OH

Julie Sanders, Author and Speaker
5
2019-09-13T21:32:41-04:00

Kristi - Women's Ministry Director, The Chapel in North Canton, Canton, OH

"Julie Sanders is uniquely gifted to speak the never-changing truth of God into the ever-changing lives of women. With authenticity and the confidence that grows from a journey of finding God faithful in every season, Julie calls women to find peace and comfort in Him alone."
https://juliesanders.org/testimonials/9175/
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Julie Sanders, Author and Speaker

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