There’s no better way to start the week than by filling up with God’s Word. So each Monday morning join me here to take a brief, but reflective look into a passage of Scripture.
Have you ever experienced extreme thirst? Although I have never been lost in the desert without a canteen or nearby oasis, I have had times of intense thirst. Prolonged yard work in the heat of a Texas summer. Two days of labor accompanied by only ice chips. The aftermath of a twenty-four hour stomach bug.
King David longed for God like our bodies long for water when they are dehydrated. Sufficient water quenches our physical thirst. However, the more David experienced God, the more deeply he longed for Him.
1 O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you
in this parched and weary land where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory.
3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!
4 I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.6 I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night.
7 Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
8 I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.Psalm 63:1-8, NLT
How did David respond when he experienced God’s power and glory?
Have you ever yearned for God like David did? David’s longing for God was deepened through his encounters with God. The more David experienced God, the more he desired to experience God.
How can we deepen our desire to encounter God? We can start by recalling the times we have already experienced Him. As we praise God for what He has already shown us about Himself, He will allow us to know Him more and more!
Take a few moments this morning to reflect on what you already know about God. Praise Him for who He is and thank Him for allowing you to know Him.
David gives us great examples on how to praise and long for the God of salvation. I love reading the Psalms he wrote and are now shared in the Bible.
Iris, I love how David expresses his honest feelings in the Psalms – worship, fear, doubt, anger – it shows us we can be open and honest with God!