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.
Right now I feel so for my Dad in his weakness and loneliness, and for Mom as well as they are separated after 66 years so he can receive the care he needs. Yet, he doesn’t complain, and I can feel the love in his weak voice and the joy in his heart as he anticipates eternity. What a legacy of faith! Just learned today of another person he led to faith in Christ some years ago. God is ever-present in his life, and God is good — all the time!
They have had a beautiful life together with memories to hold on to. This is a new reality for them to embrace knowing that God loves them and holds them together.