Promptings: Dryness
Scripture Reading — Psalm 63
Earnestly I seek you … in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
Psalm 63:1
These words were written by an innocent young man running for his life. The safest refuge he could find was the barren desert of southern Judah, a place that people had forsaken. Once there, David made a grim discovery: it seemed that God had forsaken it too. The dreary sameness of the desolate landscape, dressed in browns and grays, reds and blacks, without even a stem of plant life, shriveled the soul of this shepherd who in younger years knew only green pastures and quiet waters (Psalm 23). The very scenery wearied David’s soul and inflicted on him a painful sense that God was nowhere near.
That was tough for a young soul whose fondest memories of God were grand moments of worship in the Lord’s sanctuary, where he had sensed God’s glory and power. Now, far from green pastures and inspiring worship places, David felt bone dry.
But he knew what to do. Summoning up memories, arousing his imagination, David turned to earnest prayer. He pictured himself at a feast, savoring God. He heard himself singing, celebrating God. He imagined God as a great bird spreading its wings over him. David also imagined a grisly sight: his enemies being turned into food for jackals. He did whatever it took to keep on clinging to God.
And he was blessed with joy again.
Father, when I am in the desert place, meet me there. Arouse my memories. Kindle my imagination. Move me to prayer. May I find you, even there. In Jesus’ name, Amen
About the author — Kenneth D. Koeman
Rev. Ken Koeman is a pastor at Bellevue, Washington, Christian Reformed Church. He has written Today devotions in past years and has also authored numerous articles for The Banner, the magazine of the Christian Reformed Church. Ken and his wife, Kay, live in Bellevue and have two children and five grandchildren.
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