Are You Thirsty

“As the deer longs for the water brooks, so does my soul long for Thee, O God. My soul is thirsty for God, for the living God…”

Psalm 42:1-2

Picture a very thirsty animal eagerly lapping up water and drinking for a long time to quench its thirst. The psalmist compares his longing and thirst for God to that of an animal’s need for life-giving water.

Some of the most beautiful expressions of the greatness and power of God can be found in the book of Psalms. The writers were able to grasp some of the wonder of God’s love, His care for mankind, His holiness and the magnificence of all His creation.

Such an understanding evoked tremendous appreciation, gratitude, love and trust. The Psalmists wanted to have a close relationship with God who meant everything to them. He was their refuge (Psalm 46), their rock, their fortress (Psalm31), their light and salvation (Psalm 27), their shepherd and so much more. They acknowledged their need of God and depended on Him: “Lead me in thy truth and teach me; for Thou art the God of my salvation. On Thee do I wait all the day long.” (Psalm 25). Therefore it is not surprising to hear an outburst such as: “I will love Thee, O Lord, my Strength!” (Psalm 18) and “This God is our God for ever and ever! He will be our Guide even unto death.” (Psalm 48).

Thanking and praising God were important aspects of their daily lives: “I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.” One psalmist urges us to “Come; let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for He is our God.” Psalm95:6

How much do we praise and thank God? How often do we acknowledge Who He is? How much do we really thirst and long for a much closer relationship with Him?

Al Jones