WHAT ARE YOU THIRSTY FOR?

(Read Psalms 42:1-11)

Psalm 42 hints that depression may be an unfulfilled thirst for God, just as dehydration is an unfulfilled thirst for water. The Psalmist intentionally compares thirst for God with the image of a thirsty deer panting for a cold clear water brook. This deer is hot and thirsty. He is panting for the cold refreshing water that will satisfy his deepest need.

When I served in the army, especially in hot climates, I was always reminded to frequently drink water before I got thirsty. When you get thirsty your body is telling you that you are already dehydrated. You are in need. After the Psalmist recorded his thirst for God, he reported that he had been crying continuously. He remembered when he used to go to the house of God with joy and praise. He then wondered why his soul was downcast. I believe the answer is found in those first two verses of this psalm.

If you are an average American, then you probably have unlimited access to water. You literally have no need to ever be thirsty or in a state of dehydration. If you are a born-again child of God, the Bible says: According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue 2 Peter 1:3. We never need to be thirsty for God or lack any of what God has for us in our lives. We must be intentional about meditating on God’s word, speaking to God continually in prayer, and fellowshipping with other believers in order to be encouraged.

Instead of being thirsty for God let us be filled with all of the fullness of God.
-Pastor Ellis Goins