Saturday, April 9

Longing

Scripture: Joshua 7-8, Psalm 42, Romans 12

Psalm 42:1–2 

1 As a deer longs for flowing streams, 

so I long for you, God. 

2 I thirst for God, the living God. 

When can I come and appear before God?

Observation

The psalmist is dejected, in turmoil and depressed.  He cries out to God.  Just as a deer pants for water, so he longs for God, thirsts for God.  Twice he reminds himself, “put your hope in God” (v. 5, 11).  There is a sense of desperation.  Longing.  Thirst.

Application

One summer, I was backpacking with friends in the Enchantments in the Central Washington Cascades.  It is spectacular!  On our final day, we underestimated the water we would need for the hike out and ran out half way, and as the hike stretched on and on in the summer heat, we became incredibly thirsty.  Parched.  All I could think about was getting to the car and getting somewhere to get a drink.  Desperate.

Do I long for God that way?  

Honestly, no.  Why not?  Probably because I’m “drinking” other things.  My life is full and going well.  I’m “satisfied”—and distracted—by so many other things.  

Have I longed for God like that before?  Yes.  The first example that comes to mind is when my son, Jeff, died unexpectedly and suddenly at 22.  In my grief, I felt a desperate need for God.  I longed for Him to show up, to speak.  He did…although not as quickly or often as I wished.  I was diligent about my daily time with Him.  The only music I could listen to was worship music.  I was desperate.

There is a well known saying: “You don’t know God is all you need until God is all you have.” 

Well, I have lots besides God.  And I’m grateful for all of it, and receive it as a gift from His hand.  But it can be a distraction.  Or an anesthesia.  

So what do I do?  I don’t want to just wait for disaster to strike to long for God.  Some ideas to create longing:

      • Simplify.  Reduce distractions.
      • Be attentive—all day long.  Build some “attention posts” in your day—intentional moments of being attentive to God. (Psalm 130:5-6)
      • Obey.  Listen and do what He says.  That will challenge you and make you thirsty for His help.  
      • Serve others.  While I may not be desperate, many are; come alongside them to help, and that will make you thirsty.

Prayer: Lord, most of the time I don’t long for You like a deer panting for water.  And maybe that’s normal, as it should be.  But I do want my desire for You to grow and be stronger.