"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" Psalm 42:1-2
Physical thirst, from what I have been told, is not a pleasant feeling. I have been thirsty in the past and is not a good place to be. The focus being on ending that thirst overtakes every thought and desire. Physically, you need to satisfy that thirst or the body will overheat and start to break down. Think of those really hot and humid days when you were so thirsty. All you thought about was getting something cold to drink to satisfy yourself. That was it, nothing else mattered at that moment. Just your thirst and your desire to end it.
It is compelling that this is the comparison used by David in this psalm. This overwhelming desire is what his soul longs for. That his soul would be so consumed to the exclusion of everything around him. This is David's focus in this passage. He is like a panting deer, or better yet, like a panting dog (if that helps with the image). There is a determination and singlemindedness for David. That his soul's thirst will not be quenched until he meets with God. David is so focused on God, like a thirsty dog searching for water.
That has got me thinking about how thirsty I am for God. What does that look like and what does that mean? How thirsty am I? Does my soul feel those pangs of thirst when I go without communing with God for a time. Am I distracted by that to the exclusion of the rest of my life when that happens? I can say, the answer for me is sometimes. Sometimes, but not all the time.
Of course, we try to satisfy our thirst with other things which last just a little while. All of our souls hunger and thirst, it is just a question of what we satisfy it with.
And, God is the best water for our souls. The kind of water which quenches even the harshest thirst. And what happens when thirst is quenched, one becomes satisfied and content.
So, how is God like water, and not just water, but the best water possible. Not Perrier or any of those fancy bottled brands. Better than that. What do we get from water.
1. We use water to cleanse ourselves. To wash away dirt, daily showers, to feel refreshed. All of these are qualities of God. He refreshes us when needed, he cleanses us of our sins when we humbly ask, and he showers us with healings and gifts.
2. water can purify (such as boiling water). God can clean and purify even the dirtiest and nastiest of sins.
3. Water sustains us. If we didn't drink water, we would suffer painfully and eventually die. Most of what I just said applies even more so to God.
4. water takes different forms. Liquid, solid, gas. God appears to us in different ways. Visions, dreams, words, and voices are just some ways He appears to us. We see his image in other people and throughout all of creation. You look around and you will see Him. The same in all ways, just different aspects and forms. Water is H2O no matter what state it is. God is the same God no matter how He appears to you.
5. Water carries us. On rivers, lakes, and streams is how people used to travel. Some still do. God also carries us to our destinations when we follow Him. Obviously, not always to where we want to go, but always to the best locations for us.
6. Water fills up the spaces. Whatever vessel you place it in, water will take that shape. No matter how big or small - water fills it up.
7. Water comes in a variety of ways. Similar to #4. Water can drip, it can pour, and it can flood areas. From the water or the sky, water can come from any direction. The Earth is full of water.
8. Water can be peaceful or rage. From tranquil streams and lakes, to raging rivers and tidal waves. Peaceful as a pool of water or uncontrollable like a flood.
9. Water leaves its mark. Water flows to its destination. Carving its path where it goes over time. The Grand Canyon is a fine example. Water does that just like the streams and rivers scarring the landscape leaving its evidence. God leaves evidence where He goes.
10. Water can wear things down at its pace. Floods can destroy vast areas quickly or rivers can slowly erode rock and ground over the centuries. God can work in our hearts and lives the same way. Slowly polishing the rough edges over time or like a quick river washing away our sin and pain. God moves at His own pace.
Let His water flow into your life.
Physical thirst, from what I have been told, is not a pleasant feeling. I have been thirsty in the past and is not a good place to be. The focus being on ending that thirst overtakes every thought and desire. Physically, you need to satisfy that thirst or the body will overheat and start to break down. Think of those really hot and humid days when you were so thirsty. All you thought about was getting something cold to drink to satisfy yourself. That was it, nothing else mattered at that moment. Just your thirst and your desire to end it.
It is compelling that this is the comparison used by David in this psalm. This overwhelming desire is what his soul longs for. That his soul would be so consumed to the exclusion of everything around him. This is David's focus in this passage. He is like a panting deer, or better yet, like a panting dog (if that helps with the image). There is a determination and singlemindedness for David. That his soul's thirst will not be quenched until he meets with God. David is so focused on God, like a thirsty dog searching for water.
That has got me thinking about how thirsty I am for God. What does that look like and what does that mean? How thirsty am I? Does my soul feel those pangs of thirst when I go without communing with God for a time. Am I distracted by that to the exclusion of the rest of my life when that happens? I can say, the answer for me is sometimes. Sometimes, but not all the time.
Of course, we try to satisfy our thirst with other things which last just a little while. All of our souls hunger and thirst, it is just a question of what we satisfy it with.
And, God is the best water for our souls. The kind of water which quenches even the harshest thirst. And what happens when thirst is quenched, one becomes satisfied and content.
So, how is God like water, and not just water, but the best water possible. Not Perrier or any of those fancy bottled brands. Better than that. What do we get from water.
1. We use water to cleanse ourselves. To wash away dirt, daily showers, to feel refreshed. All of these are qualities of God. He refreshes us when needed, he cleanses us of our sins when we humbly ask, and he showers us with healings and gifts.
2. water can purify (such as boiling water). God can clean and purify even the dirtiest and nastiest of sins.
3. Water sustains us. If we didn't drink water, we would suffer painfully and eventually die. Most of what I just said applies even more so to God.
4. water takes different forms. Liquid, solid, gas. God appears to us in different ways. Visions, dreams, words, and voices are just some ways He appears to us. We see his image in other people and throughout all of creation. You look around and you will see Him. The same in all ways, just different aspects and forms. Water is H2O no matter what state it is. God is the same God no matter how He appears to you.
5. Water carries us. On rivers, lakes, and streams is how people used to travel. Some still do. God also carries us to our destinations when we follow Him. Obviously, not always to where we want to go, but always to the best locations for us.
6. Water fills up the spaces. Whatever vessel you place it in, water will take that shape. No matter how big or small - water fills it up.
7. Water comes in a variety of ways. Similar to #4. Water can drip, it can pour, and it can flood areas. From the water or the sky, water can come from any direction. The Earth is full of water.
8. Water can be peaceful or rage. From tranquil streams and lakes, to raging rivers and tidal waves. Peaceful as a pool of water or uncontrollable like a flood.
9. Water leaves its mark. Water flows to its destination. Carving its path where it goes over time. The Grand Canyon is a fine example. Water does that just like the streams and rivers scarring the landscape leaving its evidence. God leaves evidence where He goes.
10. Water can wear things down at its pace. Floods can destroy vast areas quickly or rivers can slowly erode rock and ground over the centuries. God can work in our hearts and lives the same way. Slowly polishing the rough edges over time or like a quick river washing away our sin and pain. God moves at His own pace.
Let His water flow into your life.
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