“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.”
Psalm 42:1 NIV
This morning, I laced up my shoes, grabbed the leashes, and stepped outside with my dogs. The air was cool, the trees were still, and the world felt slower somehow.
No notifications. No noise. Just paws on the ground and birds singing overhead.
And in that quiet, I felt it, my soul exhaling.
Life gets loud. The constant scrolling. The endless to-do lists. The pressure to respond, produce, and keep up. We can be surrounded by noise and not even realize how thirsty our hearts have become.
Psalm 42 paints a beautiful picture: a deer desperately searching for water. Not casually strolling. Not distracted. Panting. Longing. Needing.
That’s how our souls were designed to seek God.
But here’s the thing, it’s hard to hear Him over the buzz of our phones. It’s difficult to recognize His voice when our minds are cluttered with everyone else’s opinions. Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is unplug, step outside, and let creation quiet us.
Nature has a way of reminding us who God is.
The steady trees whisper of His faithfulness.
The breeze speaks of His gentleness.
The vast sky declares His sovereignty.
When we walk outside, whether it’s through mountain trails, across a backyard, or down a quiet country road; we step into a living reminder that God is present. And sometimes, the best conversation with Jesus happens when we aren’t rushing.
If you’re overwhelmed today, take a walk. Leave your phone inside if you can. Let your dogs tug you toward the trees. Let the rhythm of your steps slow your thoughts. Start talking to Jesus, not with fancy words, just honest ones.
Then pause.
Let Him answer in the rustle of leaves. Let Him calm you in the sunlight. Let Him refill the places that feel dry.
Your soul is thirsty. And He is the living water.
Ask yourself…
1. When was the last time you intentionally unplugged and spent quiet time outside with God?
2. What distractions are keeping your soul from deeply seeking Him?
3. How do you personally experience God when you’re in nature?
4. What would it look like to build regular “walks with Jesus” into your week?
Dear Lord, my soul is thirsty for You. Forgive me for trying to quench it with noise, distraction, and busyness. Help me slow down and seek You intentionally. Teach me to unplug from the world so I can plug into Your presence. Speak to me through Your creation and quiet my restless heart. Refresh me like cool water to a weary soul. In Jesus’ name, amen.