“As the deer panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” — Psalm 42:1 (KJV)

There’s a thirst that water can’t quench… a hunger that food can’t fill… a longing that no amount of money, noise, or scrolling can satisfy. It’s the soul’s cry for the Creator.

David paints a picture here—not of a deer sipping calmly from a stream—but of one running, desperate, worn out, parched. He’s not chasing success or applause. He’s not looking for comfort or convenience. He’s chasing God. Because deep down, he knows—God is the only stream that never runs dry.

Maybe that’s where you are today. Tired. Weary. Trying to catch your breath in a world that never slows down. Friend, can I remind you? That ache in your chest… that restlessness in your spirit… it’s not weakness. It’s worship. It’s your soul remembering where it came from—and who it belongs to.

So don’t ignore the thirst. Lean into it. Let it drive you to the feet of the Father. Because just like that deer, when you pant after God, He doesn’t hide—He pours. He refreshes. He restores.

Let your longing lead you home.

“We love him, because he first loved us.”

Sometimes, we get it backwards.

We think we’ve got to earn God’s love—like He’s holding a scoreboard in the sky, waiting to see if we finally get it right. But 1 John 4:19 pulls back the curtain and reminds us of this simple, soul-settling truth: “We love him, because he first loved us.”

Before you ever opened a Bible…

Before you ever set foot in a church…

Before you ever whispered a prayer or even knew His name…

He loved you.

Not because of what you could do for Him…

Not because you were good…

But because He is good.

And friend, that kind of love changes everything. It’s not a reward—it’s a revelation. When you really see it, you can’t help but respond. His love becomes the fire in your bones, the peace in your storm, the anchor for your soul.

So stop striving. Stop trying to earn what’s already been given. You are already loved. Fully. Freely. Forever.

Just let that sink in today:

The God of the universe went first…

Now you get to live loved.

And when you live loved—you can’t help but love back.

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

—Matthew 18:20 (KJV)

You don’t need a stadium. You don’t need a spotlight. You don’t need a crowd or a choir or a cathedral ceiling. All you need… is two or three folks who know how to call on the name of Jesus.

There’s something beautiful and powerful about that kind of gathering. It could be a kitchen table with worn-out Bibles and fresh coffee. It could be a hospital room with trembling hands and tear-soaked prayers. It could be a church pew, a living room, or even a front porch swing.

Because when hearts unite in His name—He shows up. Not just in spirit. Not just in theory. But in presence. Real. Right there. Right then.

Friend, never underestimate the holy ground of a small circle. Jesus doesn’t measure by numbers—He moves by name. His name.

So next time it’s just you and one more? Don’t say “just.” Say “Jesus.” Because two or three plus Him… is always enough.