“In the deep recesses of man’s soul lies an overwhelming yearning toward the Creator,” penned A. W. Tozer in the beginning lines of his book “Experiencing the Presence of God.”
That yearning has been described and depicted in various ways by a variety of authors over the years.
Mike Cope calls it a “holy hunger.”
Martin De Hann refers to it as a “radical reliance.”
Joe Beam speaks of it as “a craving.”
John Eldridge devoted an entire book to the topic entitled “The Sacred Romance.” Subtitled “Drawing Closer to the Heart of God.”
Joe Stowell expresses it in a way that causes some to be uncomfortable in his little booklet, “Experiencing Intimacy with God.”
The topic of the 2016 Florida College Lectures was “You Are My God.” All of lessons were from the Psalms. In the introduction David McClister writes that each lesson is designed “to re-acquaint us with the fullness of our relationship with God.”
My friend and preaching colleague, Gary Henry, offers a one year devotional, the first in his daybook series entitled “Diligently Seeking God.” It’s subtitled “Daily Motivation to Take God More Seriously.” In it he offers 366 one page essays about the importance of and how to develop a deeper fellowship and closer relationship with God.
Bible expositor W. Forsyth simply defines this grand topic and the subject of Psalm 63 with two words–”Soul Thirst.”
Listen to David’s heart-felt plea in the midst of the Judean wilderness after fleeing Jerusalem because of the rebellion of his son Absalom.
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
(Ps. 63:1)
Our relationship with God can grow stronger, deeper, and more personal if we would embody the spirit and devotion of David as expressed in this Psalm. Take a moment to read it. Then consider these four summary points.
#1 Earnestly Seek God (vv. 1-2)
Tozer opines that “the present generations of Christians has suffered what I call the lost concept of majesty.” He observes that when we have low value of humankind, we develop a corresponding low value of the Creator.
When we, like David, see God’s power, glory, greatness and grandeur we will diligently, earnestly pursue a relationship with Him. When our spiritual throats are parched by sin, sickness, and sorrow of this world, we want to quench our thirst by drinking the Divine water.
#2 Enthusiastically Praise God (vv. 3-5)
What an outpouring of David’s heart that glorifies God in the mundane bareness of the wilderness. Apart from the trappings of the tabernacle and the ornate Priestly accouterments, he could still see God by the eye of faith and sense His presence through the yearning of his heart.
“Your love is better than life?” What an incredible statement. It conjures up the image of man lost in his love for woman. But it refers to a man’s love for God. But it speaks to more than just love, it indicates a longing, a yearning, a passion that issues itself in joyful praise.
#3 Explicitly Remember God (vv. 6-8)
Remembering God is not a casual or occasional exercise, but it is clear, precise and explicit. It is purposeful. Premeditated. And intentional.
Memory serves as a powerful motivator when we recall God’s goodness. His blessings. His benefits. His mercy. His help. And His support. Such remembrance leads us to thankfulness, praise, and peace of mind.
#4 Eagerly Rejoice in God. (vv.9-11)
Like David we face enemies of God in this world. We live in Post-Christian culture, that is anti-God, anti-religion, and ultra liberal. Secularism, atheism, agnosticism, hedonism, and materialism rule the day and assault our souls.
Yet, we can rejoice that Truth will ultimately triumph. The victory belongs to the Lord. And He will avenge His enemies. In. His. Time. The methods of our warfare are not carnal or political, but spiritual and God-focused.
Finally, Augustine, the Bishop of Hippo captures the essence of the soul’s longing for God when he wrote in his Confessions, “Thou hast created us for Thyself and we are restless until we rest fully in Thee.”
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 
Consider these words from Mark 15:43 KJV. “Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counseller, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.”
Now consider the Nativity and the divine idea that the Cross and Tomb are in the Barn with Joseph the Aba of Jesus and the Woman Jesus called Mary and the Magdalene and the Mother of Jesus.
I wonder if Joseph “craved” the body of Mary and then went and “bought” a new sheet to wrap her in as his one and only bride? Although as the story goes, the Teacher of Israel aka Nicodemus had also wrapped the body of Jesus in a sheet.
I’m not suggesting anything disrespectful. I’m simply suggesting that when a man loves a woman with his whole heart, mind, body and soul and she returns his love with her whole heart, mind, body and soul…they become one flesh.
Thus Mary sang: “My soul magnifies the Lord” and let go of the Rabboni …sure of the Resurrection…because her heart and soul was clinging to the Rock as she had always done (Joshua 23:8) and waiting for him to jump into the water…and put on his wedding clothes and become the Father of the Resurrection.
LikeLike
Pingback: Weekly Recap: May 20-24 | ThePreachersWord