Longing for God - Psalm 63

"You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you;I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land where there is no water." - Psalm 63:1

There is a part of us that resonates with David's cry for God. We sometimes feel dry or barren in our spirit and we long for an experience of God. It feels as if there is no water in sight and that we may die of spiritual thirst. 

This can happen when we go through difficult times or face big disappointments in our lives. It can even happen out of the blue or when things are going fine. I believe we shouldn't beat ourselves up over this, but rather cry out to the Lord and trust that he will quench our thirst in time.

It is thought that David was actually hiding out in the desert while he wrote these words, so he is comparing his thirst for God with his actual thirst in the desert. 

It is interesting how our personal experiences can help us see God in a new light.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Still haven't found what I was looking for

"This is my conclusion,” says the Teacher. “I discovered this after looking at the matter from every possible angle. Though I have searched repeatedly, I have not found what I was looking for. " - Ecclesiastes 7:28-29

We are tempted to look at people who seem to have everything and believe that they are happy with life. It is almost as if we just assume that having a lot of "things" will be the golden ticket to our happiness. We have covered this ground before, but Solomon is honest enough to admit that he still hasn't found what he is looking for. It was the singer, song-writer, musician and poet, Bono who also added his lament to Ecclesiastes 7.

"I have climbed the highest mountains
I have run through the fields
Only to be with you
Only to be with you

I have run I have crawled
I have scaled these city walls
These city walls
Only to be with you

But I still haven't found
What I'm looking for..." 

This year has been one of those moments to test all of our hearts. It is my prayer that we continue to lean into the mercies of Jesus and trust that God satisfy's your deepest longing.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Watching and waiting

 

Young children are the most enthusiastic at Christmas time and in many ways they keep the miracle of Christmas alive for lots of us. Their constant questions about presents, Santa Claus, reindeer, holidays, food and more presents, keep us unusually busy.

Of course, in responding to the myriad of questions, we should always be willing to remind them of the real reason for Christmas.

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,

I wait for God my saviour,

My God will hear me.” – Micah 7:7

Our watching, waiting and hoping is all part of the Advent season. Teaching children (and adults) that all good things come to those who wait is a crucial part of this time of the year. 

As you watch and wait for the miracle of Jesus, may you not be disappointed by the GIFT that he is too you.

Living in Grace

D3LM3