When I walk my dog in the desert heat, his tongue seems to get longer and longer. Even though we go at the crack of dawn, before the sun has gained any power, it is already 90 degrees Fahrenheit. One tongue can only do so much.

As soon as we get home I make sure he has plenty of water in his water bowl, but he’s too hot to drink. He “sploots” on our cool tile floor (lying on his belly with his legs spread as wide as he can make them.)

After he has cooled down some, he heads right for his water dish. Because he’s a smart boy. He slurps and slurps. And then burps.

But my dog doesn’t seem to like water most of the time. When we go for a hike in the winter, there’s nothing I can do to make him drink water. Unless it is really hot, he will shun the water bowl.

I think I act that way with God all too often. When things are going smoothly in my life, I don’t have time for God. Maybe I can squeeze in a little Bible study between other activities… But the second things heat up and a crisis appears, I turn to God in desperation. I expect Him to be there ready to help.

“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so I long for you, God.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭1‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Of course God is always here, but my fair-weather worship must be frustrating to Him. (Or should I say stormy-weather worship.)

My dog and I both need water whether we are hot and thirsty or not. And I need God all the time, not just when I have a crisis.

Medical professionals warn me to drink water before I get thirsty. And wise people in the Bible warn me to seek God at all times, in every circumstance.

Dear God,

Thank you for your promise to always be here with me. Forgive me for taking you for granted. Without you, I have no life. I want to enjoy your presence when things are good as well as when things seem dire. Fill me with your refreshing Spirit now.