This week is brought to you by the letter P, and the word pant. After years of having small dogs, we took the plunge and welcomed two dobermans into our nest. Yes, Doberman Pinchers! Scary-looking-don’t-mess-with-me face but sweet-cuddle-bum-I’m-obsessed-with-you heart.

Our girls (Renny and Roma) have very different personalities, but both want to be everywhere we are. Watching a FIFA game, buried in our laps. Getting dressed, we’re all in the closet. Going to the bathroom, standing by our side. 

The best is when I arrive home. I could have been gone for a 20-minute run or an 8-hour workday — when the garage door goes up, they know my entrance is imminent. Jumping, spinning, and panting ensue. Relentlessly. 

In watching their reaction to my arrival, I considered our posture toward God. Do we “pant” after Him in the same way? Scripture encourages us to do just that.

[As the deer pants for streams of water,
  so my soul pants for you, my God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
  When can I go and meet with God?]
Psalm 43v1-2

The original Hebrew indicates a richer interpretation. Not just an animal breathing hard from exhaustion. Think — longing for, demanding attention from, craving more, and devouring. 

The deer is seeking water because it’s essential for satisfaction and sustenance. Let’s be honest — how often do we pant after the presence and voice of God? When we open our Bible, are we eager and expectant? When we don’t open our Bible, are we weak from want? (Answer that last one truthfully.) 

After reading through the Bible consistently for three years, I realized my mind and spirit not only needed the Word of God, but they wanted it. If I missed a day or two, I literally had “hunger pains” from lack of the Bread of Life. Similar to our appetites, the more we consume, the more we crave. 

Or pant. 

Send this to someone you can invite on the journey to read the Bible more. For a great reading plan, take a look at From Discipline to Delight!