SOUL THIRST

SOUL THIRST

Perhaps the most familiar teachings of Jesus Christ were presented during the “Sermon on the Mount,” in which he outlines what we call ‘The Beatitudes.’  One such saying that is especially significant describes the blessings that are part and parcel of a heart that is dedicated to a perpetual search for the things of God.  “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6) 

Kingdom Principle Number One: to nurture and sustain our Christ-Connection, we must develop a personal and persistent thirst for His presence.  The Psalmist, David, is the poster child for what I call soul thirst.  Despite personal issues and recurring challenges, he longed fervently for the presence and power of the Lord.  “As the hart (deer) panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” (Psalm 42:1) David’s declaration of desire for the things of God looms large because the human soul is comprised of five distinct functions: mind, will, intellect, imagination and emotions.  Put simply, all aspects of David’s soul (his emotions, his imagination, his intellect, his mind and his will) were fully engaged in establishing (and re-establishing) authentic fellowship and spiritual union with God.

Kingdom Principle Number Two: God summons believers to daily fellowship with him; the response is on us.  In the words of David, “When thou saidest, Seek ye my face; my heart [soul] said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.” (Psalm 27:8) The choice is ours.  The potential benefits are enormous.  In His presence, we find “forgiveness” (II Chronicles 7:14), “strength” (I Chronicles 16:11), “water” and “seed” (Isaiah 44:3), “fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11) and “all things” (Matthew 6:33).

Kingdom Principle Number Three: Whenever dry places appear in our walk with God, our thirst for Him CAN BE purified, intensified and actualized.  To wit, in David’s desert place of tragedy and testing, he cried out with soul force (soul passion) to the Father: “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.” (Psalm 63:1-3) Implicit in David’s supplication are several truths: 1) he did not always sense (feel) the manifest presence of God; 2) he had constant awareness of his absolute dependence upon God; 3) he acknowledged the sanctuary (the house and people of God) as conduits to the power and glory of God, and 4) he resolved to praise God (despite his sensory feelings), based solely on his enduring faith.

Kingdom Principle Number Four: That which we have soul thirst for is that which we WILL inevitably seek.  Question: ‘What are YOU thirsty for these days?’  Pause one moment to reflect and think deeply.  Have you fallen head-over-heels for the affirmation of family and friends (or) for possible fortune and fame (or) for the acquisition of power and privilege (or) for tawdry and temporary romantic relationships (or) for any other fleeting form of pleasure (or) for ______?  [Fill-in-the-blank with the ‘flavor’ your life seems to ‘savor’]. 

I firmly believe that these are the last days.  Indeed, the signs of the times are everywhere.  Pay attention and prepare.  Christ will return soon to gather His people and judge His world.  Considering this, let us resolve to seek Him…as never before.  (Deuteronomy 4:29 and II Peter 3:10-12)

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!