Bible Reading: Psalm 107:1-16

“My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times” (Psalm 119:20).

Drover has learned some English. The highlight of each day is when the woman says, “Drover, are you ready for your treat?” He pricks his dog ears in immediate interest. The woman disappears into her house, and Drover listens intently. His body is rigid with anticipation. When he hears the rattle of the Purina Beggin’ Strips bag, his front paws beat a rapid tattoo on the door step. His tail begins to wag furiously as saliva drips from his lolling tongue.

The psalmist of the Bible expressed his desire for God in vivid terms. Humans often experience their most intense longing for God only in the presence of suffering. Perhaps that is why a loving God permits His children to be afflicted and to grieve. He knows the trying circumstances of our lives can drive us to seek Him, to desire His Word, and to passionately crave its nourishment.

As the psalmist considered the plight of God’s people—the wilderness, the wandering, the solitude, the hunger, the thirst, the fatigue—it dawned on him how this had all worked together for good. His heart burst forth with praise as he realized that this had all been part of God’s leading His people in the right way. What soul-satisfying goodness from the hand of a loving God!

Drover snatches the strip from the woman’s hand and moves off to a safe place where he will not be disturbed as he relishes his treat. His grasp of English does not include the ability to say, “Thank you.”

Today we will relish God’s Word, and God will be pleased as we think grateful thoughts and express them in prayer. Those around us will be encouraged when they hear us singing, and we will be doubly blessed.

As pants the hart for cooling streams
When heated in the chase,
So longs my soul, O God, for thee,
And thy refreshing grace. —Tate and Brady

From Paws on my Porch, by Gary Miller
© 2015 TGS International, PO Box 355, Berlin, Ohio 44610
Used by permission