4 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
1 Samuel 26
1 Corinthians 7
Ezekiel 5
Psalms 42-43
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Psalm 42:1–2 (CSB): “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so I long for you, God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come and appear before God?”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
As we read our Verse for Today, we come to realize something profound – there may be more, much more, to the Christian life than we are presently enjoying.
When we read the words of the Psalmist, we hear him compare his current condition to that of a thirsty deer. He compares himself to an animal that cannot help but strongly crave for streams of water to satisfy its thirst. It knows that water will meet the deep need of its being.
The Psalmist said that he felt like that. Except that his thirst wasn’t physical – it was spiritual. And he wasn’t focused on water but on God. He knew that the longing deep in his soul could only be met in relationship with God.
Far too many Christians don’t realize that there is a relationship with God that can satisfy their deepest longing. Verses like some of those that follow testify to the fact that there have been guys who did realize this truth…
Exodus 33:18 (CSB): “Then Moses said, ‘Please, let me see your glory.’”
Psalm 63:1 (CSB): “God, you are my God; I eagerly seek you. I thirst for you; my body faints for you in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.”
Isaiah 26:8–9 (CSB): “Yes, Lord, we wait for you in the path of your judgments. Our desire is for your name and renown. I long for you in the night; yes, my spirit within me diligently seeks you, for when your judgments are in the land, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.”
Philippians 3:8 (CSB): “More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ”
Jeremiah 29:13–14 (CSB): “‘You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart. I will be found by you’ – this is the Lord’s declaration – ‘and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and places where I banished you’ – this is the Lord’s declaration. ‘I will restore you to the place from which I deported you.’”
On and on these verses could go. Men and women through the ages have realized that there is so much more to following the Lord than simply getting a ticket to Heaven. It is ultimately an invitation to enjoy God in this life and in the life to come.
Are you currently enjoying God so much that your heart is bursting with joy? If not, then there is so much more for you to enjoy, friend. Have fun pursuing the God of all creation!
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Lord Jesus, I want to know You. And I don’t want to be satisfied with yesterday’s knowledge of You. I want to know You more today. Further, my want my knowledge of You to be more than just an accumulation of facts – I want to experience You. Please help me to have the intense passion of someone who searches for You with ALL my heart. You are worth the pursuit. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 