A Thirst for God

(#956, Imperial, 1961)
Read Psalm 42:1-5.

The Psalms were for singing.  This Psalm is called a "maschil" which means instruction.  Thus the singing and instruction are brought together.  There is a message in this song.

The Psalmist a true naturalist.

The Psalmist never worshipped the Creation.  He worshipped the God of Creation.  He saw in the provisions of the forest and in the care of the animals God's provisions and care for His children.

The desire of a godly soul.

The writer craved communion with God.  He uses the simile of a deer to illustrate this thirst for God.  This can only be one who already knows God.  "There are none that seek after God" (Ro.3).

ƒ      Men have lost their thirst for God.  We have let the flesh take over with its appetites for things, pleasures, power, position and education.

ƒ      The Living God.  Only the living God and the water brooks of the Holy Spirit can satisfy.  The human heart seeks rest but cannot find it until it finds God.
ƒ      Communion with God.  This is man's most blessed privilege.  This is God's purpose.  But sin spoiled this fellowship.  God still desires fellowship with men, as is evidenced by the giving of His only begotten Son.
ƒ      The intensity of His desire.
     w    Thirsteth, v2.  A man can go weeks, even months, without food, but not very long without water.
     w    Panteth, v1.  The deer, being hunted, has become hot and dry.  We too are in enemy territory, pursued on all sides.
ƒ      His longing to appear before God (v2).  Nothing encourages the Christian more than the anticipation of appearing before God (1 John 3:1-3).
ƒ      His longing to attend God's house.  We have changed Sunday from a holy day to a holiday.  We are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together.

Why art thou cast down? Why art thou disquieted?  HOPE THOU IN GOD.