Today’s Reading: Psalm 42

I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come and appear before God? 

 

Psalm 42:2

Reflection

Longing for the LORD comes from much more than a desire for Him. It stems from a dire need for Him. As the deer searches for water, it does not simply seek to enjoy the relief of being quenched from thirst in the running streams. The deer seeks for water in order that it will not die, but live by it. So we must long for the LORD our God also. To delay our search for the Wellspring of Life is to endanger our life, is to risk perishing without what will nourish us. We cannot produce what we need for ourselves. All that the psalmist can produce for “food day and night” are his tears, which beget only more misery. While he can express his distress and his need, the psalmist cannot fulfill it. Only the LORD can.

Our great need for God, our desperate longing for Him is met with an abundant measure of the LORD’s grace and love, if only we seek after Him. When we seek the LORD, we are sure to find Him. We are drenched in God’s righteousness as it covers us like mighty waterfalls. We are overwhelmed in His grace as it sweeps over us like sea billows. We are enveloped in His mighty Presence and comforted in His Truth. The LORD’s faithful love is replenished each day, and the riches of His mercies are new every morning, prepared for each one who seeks the LORD. Do you long for God today? Then seek after Him as one does for streams of water in a parched desert land. Your life depends upon His goodness and mercy. Are you not seeking after God? Then seek after Him even more diligently, for you are close to death and only able to be restored by the LORD’s saving power. Seek the living God Who is Your Savior and He will restore Your soul.

Prayer

Loving God, Who in heaven and earth is like You? Who is righteous and just, loving and merciful, faithful, gracious, and compassionate? There is no one Who blesses, no one who fully loves, no one mighty but You. I confess my need for You now, LORD. I am destined to perish without Your grace upon me. I need You every moment, I cannot live without Your truth and righteousness. Please, LORD, restore my soul by Your saving power, and forgive me for all that I’ve done wrong against You. Help me to seek after You and You alone, that I would not seek to be filled by the things of this world, but by You only. In Jesus’ precious Name I pray, AMEN.

 

Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan (credit: Biblestudytools.com): Acts 21:1-36; Judges 16; Psalm 42