The importance of thinking, former procrastinators, (Thinking Is a Thing September 18,2013) reminds us to consider our time with the Lord. If we put off this inspection, we could motor on as we have been – something beneficial or detrimental depending on our habit. A checkup is wise.
“Oh that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:8-9.
Growing up, a trip to the gas station meant pulling up to the pump then waiting a moment until the owner came out. After greetings, the driver would say, “Fill ‘er up, please!” The man would pump a whole tank full of gas. Sometimes a driver would request, “Two dollars’ worth” and then drive off with just enough to get him through a limited need with the car.
How often do we treat our generous God as if He were a gas station attendant? We pull in for a quick “two dollars’ worth” of what He has to offer. We pull off the road with longing soul, hungry for goodness – yet take in just a little bit so we can drive off again. Does that “Attendant” sadly wave us off, “Be on your way”?
Sometimes we are genuinely unable to spend much time meditating on God’s Word. If you’ve been up all night with a sick child and it’s past time to leave for work, you’re doing great to whisper a quick prayer and dash off. Our gracious God meets us in those times too. This is not about those times.
This inspection is about choice when we have it. If I continually choose to pull in for two dollars’ worth, I deny my soul’s longing and hunger – put there by God. Have I operated so long on tiny two dollar squirts that I’ve forgotten what it is to be satisfied deep in my soul?
There’s a low fuel warning light for us. Do I snap at family or colleagues? Do I have trouble thinking clearly? Do I not even consider the Lord during the day? Maybe I’m running on fumes. They’re highly explosive.
Sometimes the car jerks to a halt. We check all systems only to find we’re out of gas. God himself is our fuel. He Himself is what satisfies.
If we hit empty, someone might tow us or come with a red container supplying enough gas that we can limp into the station. Would we choose to drive like this as a habit?
One fill up won’t do it. God designed us for dependence on Him which means continually coming to Him for what we need. Delay can bring us to a standstill.
Let’s let Him fully fill our hungry souls with goodness – over and over – splashing out with abundance.
How’s your gas gauge reading? Will you pull in for a deeply satisfying fill up? And return often?
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