God waters our souls with nourishment, direction, and clarity in many unique ways.

One evening, I sat with a group of believers, and we slowly read through the 175+ verses of Psalm 119. We took our time. We began with a bit of reluctance, as if we were about to endure a cross country race that we didn’t feel equipped to run. We finished silently, cherishing a sense of intimacy with God and each other. Shepherded by the Spirit’s gentle leading and read aloud with a beloved community, the psalm spoke to us, first individually and then collectively, as we discussed our experience. 

God drew us into a live-action version of a Christian spiritual truth—that God’s Word is alive, active, and useful. 

“Open my eyes so I can see what you show me of your miracle-wonders. I’m a stranger in these parts; give me clear directions. My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!—insatiable for your nourishing commands” (Psalm 119:18-20 MSG).

It’s good if we can approach each encounter with the Word anticipating “miracle-wonders” and direction from God. But even when we are too shortsighted to do so, God still works wonders. 

Whether lifelong followers or tiptoeing around a newfound love of Jesus, we are all “strangers in these parts.” Our souls are starving, and God longs to fill us with the goodness of his kingdom day after day.

How can we put ourselves in a place to experience God’s working?