I've just had a whole week in 3 days.

"God—you're my God! I can't get enough of you!
I've worked up such hunger and thirst for God,
traveling across dry and weary deserts."

I've been traveling in the car a lot. Driving to and from the hospital during the long process of my sister's labor and getting to Richmond and back home. And to church tonight. My eyes are stinging, lids droopy. But mostly I've been traveling across the dry and weary deserts of my family members. God placed me in the center of a parched people. He poured out living water. But in the meantime, I neglected to drink my own fill. I can't even say that I didn't know it or know what to do about it. I know exactly what - read His Word!!! EVERY DAY!

"So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open,
drinking in your strength and glory.
In your generous love I am really living at last!
My lips brim praises like fountains.
I bless you every time I take a breath;
My arms wave like banners of praise to you." Psalm 63:1-4

What a glorious, awe-inspiring ability we have to drink in Your Word, to chew on it, to be filled up with it. I know You're an open buffet anytime I want to partake, but instead I get bloated with "junk food" and lose my appetite for the good stuff. I want to so know and love Your Word that it's at my fingertips anytime I'm searching, pops into my head anytime I'm thinking, is on the tip of my tongue in every conversation, and flows out from my pen as I write. I want to join the psalmist in praising You so often that it's as if I'm breathing prayer. I want to be unfettered of anything that holds back my entire body's reaction to Your glory.

I realize that as I am weary, I open myself for attack. Hedge me, protect me. Let Your angels post guard. Let Your Words be barbs in the fence.

God, teach me lessons for living
so I can stay the course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
my whole life one long, obedient response.
Guide me down the road of your commandments;
I love traveling this freeway!
Give me a bent for your words of wisdom,
and not for piling up loot.
Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,
invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
Affirm your promises to me—
promises made to all who fear you.
Deflect the harsh words of my critics—
but what you say is always so good.
See how hungry I am for your counsel;
preserve my life through your righteous ways!" Psalm 119:33-40