“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.” — Psalm 42:1 (NKJV)
There are seasons in life when you can feel something deep inside of you longing for more… not more things… not more noise… not more activity… but more of God.
David paints a simple but powerful picture. A deer in dry country searching for water. Not casually looking… but desperately needing. Because without water, the deer cannot survive.
That is how the soul feels when it recognizes its need for God.
You can try to satisfy that longing with success, possessions, entertainment, or even good accomplishments… but nothing truly refreshes the soul like the presence of the Lord.
Because the deepest thirst in your life is spiritual.
And the good news is this: God is not hiding from you. He invites you to come to Him.
Sometimes the restlessness we feel is actually God gently reminding us where true peace is found.
When you open His Word, your soul drinks.
When you pray, your heart settles.
When you worship, your spirit breathes again.
If you feel a longing today, don’t ignore it… lean into it.
Let that thirst draw you closer to God.
Because the soul that longs for Him will always find Him faithful.
And when God refreshes your heart, you discover that what you needed most… was Him all along.
Romans 10:13 says, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Now, isn’t that just the most comforting thing you’ve ever heard? It’s as if God himself put up a big neon sign on the highway of life, flashing, “Hey y’all, this way to salvation!”
Folks, life is like one of them unpredictable summer storms. One minute, the sun’s shining, and the next, you’re soaked to the bone without an umbrella in sight. But ain’t it grand to know there’s always shelter to be found? Calling on the Lord is like finding that perfect shade tree on a blistering hot summer day. It’s simple, it’s immediate, and it’s open to everyone, no exceptions.”
You know, it doesn’t matter where you come from, what you’ve done, or how lost you feel. The Lord’s name is the one you call when your car breaks down, when the Braves lose another heartbreaker, or when you’re just plain tired. You don’t need a fancy prayer or a preacher’s vocabulary. All you need is a sincere heart and the will to call out.
So remember, next time you find yourself in a bind, think of Romans 10:13. The message is clear and beautiful: salvation is just a call away. Y’all stay strong, and never forget to reach out to the One who’s always ready to answer.
Do you ever feel like the devil is “messing with you”? This thought often refers to spiritual or personal struggles rather than direct interference from a supernatural entity. In other words, there is always a possibility that it is the devil, but it could also just be part of the ups, downs and sideways of life. Here are some signs that people may interpret as indications of negative influences and a few ideas about what we can do about them:
1. Constant Negative Thoughts: If you’re persistently experiencing negative, self-deprecating, or harmful thoughts that seem beyond your control, it might feel like an external force is influencing your mindset. There is an old computer terminology that says: “Garbage In, Garbage Out!” What are you allowing into your life in the things that your eyes, see, your ears hear, your mouth taste, your nose smells, your skin feels and your minds thinks about?
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” -Philippians 4:8
2. Sudden and Unexplained Struggles: Unexpected difficulties in various aspects of life, such as relationships, work, or health, might be perceived as signs of interference. The first thing we need to do, before looking to place the blame on someone or something else, is own our own responsibility for what could be a contributing factor.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” -James 1:2-4
3. Feeling Disconnected or Drained: Sensations of feeling spiritually or emotionally disconnected, drained of energy, or experiencing a sense of impending doom may lead one to believe they are under negative influence. If you are feeling disconnected ask yourself: “What have I done to make sure I am connected?” If you are feeling drained of energy, take a look at your diet and exercise and think about changes that you might need to take. If you are experiencing a sense of impending doom, make sure that you are spending time reading and thinking about spiritual literature, especially the Bible.
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8)
4. Unexplained Physical or Mental Health Issues: Though often medical, if someone experiences unexplained physical ailments or mental health issues, they might attribute them to external negative forces. Sometimes the body gets sick and there is almost always a reason for this. It is usually because something has gotten into us that does not belong or we have failed to take something in that our body or mind needs. Check yourself and if need be, get professional help to get back healthy.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” -Isaiah 41:10
5. Repeated Obstacles or Failures: Feeling like there’s a pattern of repeated obstacles, failures, or challenges that hinder progress or success in life. The reality is that sometimes we are our own worst enemy and we just keep on repeating the same of self defeating behaviors. We will not ever overcome, until we get honest with ourselves and our Maker.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
It’s important to note that while these signs might be concerning, they can also be attributed to various other factors such as mental health conditions, life circumstances, or personal struggles. Seeking guidance from trusted spiritual leaders, counselors, or mental health professionals is advisable if these signs persist or significantly impact your well-being. Additionally, interpreting these signs as the direct influence of the devil is largely subjective and varies according to personal beliefs and cultural backgrounds. Often we give the devil way too much authority and power. If you are a child of God, the devil has no power over you, unless you give it to him, so remember this: You Got The Power!
Michael Joe Harvell 