More, Please
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? —Psalms 42:1-2
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. —Matthew 5:6
Thoughts of a cozy mug full of hot coffee seem to pull me out from under the snuggly covers. My sacred spot, my Bible and journal all entreat me to get up and get going. Feet shuffle into the kitchen where I grope to press the brew button. I realize I live in a "I want it now” mindset when the coffee takes way too long. I know we are all different, but for me the right cup is important. Sometimes it's the simple white one but other times it's the large green mug that my son gave me 14 years ago. It holds a lot of coffee allowing me to sit a little longer before needing a refill. Do you have a favorite mug for coffee or that special cup and saucer for tea? If so, you are feeling me here.
I remember purchasing my granddaughter's first tea set. It was real china in a little fabric-lined carrying case. The coffee table was transformed into a dainty tea party. Quickly it was filled with cups and saucers, tiny plates, plastic spoons, a teapot, and of course special cookies and fruit. Mia had my full attention and couldn't be happier. There was no tea or juice available so for this special occasion her mom allowed Coke. This added treat just about pushed Mia over the edge of excitement. I carefully poured the make believe hot tea into the tiny cup. We added pretend cream and sugar and filled our plates with goodies. Tossing her curly head back with one little gulp, the cup was quickly emptied. I hope I never forget her response.
“MORE Nana. I need MORE, please.” I would pour and she would gulp and each time the pattern ended with the same response. “MORE Nana. I need MORE, please.” I delighted in re-filling her little cup over and over. We giggled and talked and just enjoyed being together. The joy almost pushed me over the edge. That day has resurfaced in my memory lately. I feel like a little girl lifting my tiny cup to the Lord saying, "MORE, Lord. I need MORE please." As I delight in His presence and am totally filled by His love, I am moved to lift my cup and ask for more.
Many days find me feeling small, insignificant and needy. One day I am filled to the brim, only to find myself empty again in a brief moment. Oftentimes I long to be more like my big green mug instead of my little girl teacup. You know, just a great big filling that will last a long time. A comfortable filling allowing me more time to just move on with life. But to be honest the large coffee grows lukewarm long before it is finished. And I can’t stand lukewarm.
Guess what? God hates lukewarm also.
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Rev. 3:15-16
I definitely understand this word picture. I have many times spit the lukewarm right back into the cup. God wants our love and desire for Him to stay hot. He longs for us to run to Him over and over, never leaning on our own sufficiency, but remaining constantly in need of Him. Life teaches us a different way. “Be self-sufficient. Don’t need anyone or anything. Do it yourself. Try a little harder. Be tough. Hold your own hand.”
But God says,
"Blessed are those who recognize they are spiritually helpless. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.” Matt. 5:3
Need keeps us dependent instead of content, satisfied and comfortable. Need stirs up our hunger and thirst for Him. Bring your needy self to Him today. He longs for you to sit with Him at the table He has prepared just for you. He delights in you as you delight in Him. Go ahead, take a big gulp and return often for more and more and more. He loves it!
Comments