As a deer pants for flowing streams,
so pants my soul for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
– Psalm 42:1-2 (ESV)
The author of this Psalm compares a deer’s thirst for water, with his longing for the presence of the Lord. When a deer thirsts, he puts all its strength and energy into finding water, or it will die. As water from the river sustains the deer physically, the Lord sustains His children spiritually.
The psalmist expresses feeling alienated from God, wanting to come before Him again. He knows God is the source of his life. The Holy Spirit did not put this Psalm in the Bible accidentally. He wants us to know the truth that only He can satisfy our souls.
Are we thirsty for God’s presence? Where are we looking for refreshment for our souls? Where do we find emotional strength during times of trouble? The psalmist knew the living God was the only one who could sustain him in his time of need.
The desire to be in the presence of the Lord is normal for every child of God. Something within us calls for God as the Holy Spirit reminds us about our Heavenly Father.
The desire of the presence of the Lord is one of the characteristics of the Bride of Messiah. God wants to impart a thirst for His presence. The Lord will use people whose hearts thirst for Yeshua.
If Yeshua came to your city or even the Fellowship today, would He find hearts longing for His return? Are you truly thirsty for His presence? When was the last time you where desperate for Yeshua? When a deer searches for water and finds it, it drinks with joy. When we are in the presence of God, our souls are satisfied and we are filled with great joy. God wants to refresh us.