Spiritual food

Have you ever felt an overwhelming deep spiritual thirst? Felt a consuming hunger that no longer will be quieted with mere crumbs? Psalm 63, “my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”

I just realized how unknowingly spiritually blessed I have been these past two years. I was surrounded by bible studies where midshipmen unashamedly worshipped together, a church that preached straight from God’s word, a chaplain & his wife who showed God’s love to me every day, friends & family who prayed with/for me.

Here, I sit in church feeling as if I am sitting in an empty tomb. The foreign words roll right over my head and bounce lethargically around the large bare structure. I mouth words to songs I don’t understand, glancing around at the few who have shown up. Most are singing passionately, some even dancing as they worship God. And I just look on with a twinge of envy as I butcher the few words I am able to produce. I bow my head to pray and constantly peek to see if the prayer is over because unless a clear amen is said, I would never know. I walk out the doors two or three hours later with a subdued spirit and an earnest longing.

Every day is like a new miracle as I am awed by God’s greatness. I ache to share everything that He is doing with those who will be as amazed as I am. I hunger to receive guidance and fellowship from those who live for God. I thirst to sing enthusiastically, albeit off key, about Jesus’ endless love.

I spoke with someone else serving over here and realized this is a struggle for most, to find spiritual nourishment when in foreign lands. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will be a constant companion to me in the upcoming days.