This is a such a psalm of devotion to God. The writer seems to be overflowing with joy in the Lord. There is a brief diversion, however in verse 9 when in a stark contrast the focus goes from the Almighty to those who plot to destroy. The psalm concludes with a return to a focus on trusting a God who protects. This happens often in the psalms, and I need to get used to taking an unexpected left turn in the midst of a passage. Rather than being distracted by the redirect, let’s stay focused our relationship with God.
What does it look like to you, to “thirst for God”? I’ve often used that phrase in prayer, i.e. to hunger and thirst for God. What does that mean? Another powerful line is “My whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land.” Isn’t that a beautiful picture, maybe not the parched land, but that we truly rely and rest in God no matter the circumstance, and especially when we are weak and lonely.
Are you living in desolation, feeling cut off from God unsure about your future? Sometimes we don’t even realize how parched and empty we are. We keep filling our days with other things to fill the emptiness. We need to realize the weariness is a life devoid of a relationship with our Creator. We are orphans searching for meaning.
We can say, “I know God” or “I’m a follower”, but words are words. Are we thirsting? Truly thirsting and hungry for more of a relationship? Maybe we don’t have a relationship yet, but do recognize the emptiness? That’s your yearning for God!
Imagine seeing God present in your home. What is your response? Indifference? Awe? Denial? Do you fall down on your knees? As the psalmist, “I will praise you as long as I live”. Yes! Are we so overflowing with devotion and awe that the praise inside cries out?
Let’s pray. Lord, draw me closer to you. I want to be where you want me to be and who you want me to become. I am feeling overwhelmed with balancing the desire to stay where it’s safe and to go out and change the world, spreading your love one person at a time. Lord, I love you and am seeking your direction. I am thirsty this barren land. Fill me up. I’m listening for your voice. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Oh, how I love this psalm! And it’s my birthday today, so I’m super excited this is the Psalm of the Day! It starts out with these words, “I wait quietly before God.” How often do we rush through our quiet time, maybe the phone rings and we’re interrupted? How should we come to him? Like this, quietly, and wait for Him.
Let’s pray. Lord thank you for the assurance I feel knowing you are in control. Help me surrender fully to your will. I thank you for being my shield and refuge. You are my best friend, God, you are always there for me. Forgive me when I am not totally tuned in to you and let distractions crowd you out. I pray you will help me slow down and be better at waiting quietly for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This psalm reminds us we can call out to God from anywhere, anytime. He has no boundaries. “From the ends of the earth” I will cry out. What does that even mean? No matter the location we are assured, as is the writer here, that God is our refuge and we can ask to live forever in his protection.
Paul concludes his first letter to the Corinthians in this chapter. He is wrapping up his teaching to them on practices for worship and an understanding of the truth. He is winding down and bidding them farewell. He lets them know what to expect from him and other believers. There is an open line of communication and he is being totally transparent.
This was a little longer reading than most days, but it all seemed to fit together so I chose not to split it up. Resurrection is a big deal, so let’s see if we can unpack it a little bit together.
