My Soul Thirsts For Thee
BRD REFLECTIONS:
1 Samuel 27:1-12; 28:1-25 and Psalm 63 (NIV)
(Giam Lay Hoon, Disciple Facilitator)
READ:
Psalm 63 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
David the Psalmist writes with:
- a deep longing and desire for God (v1)
- first hand experience of having encountered God (v2)
- high esteem and appreciation for God (v3,4)
- his needs satisfied (v5)
- dependence on God and with His upholding (v7,8)
- justice, assurance, victory and rejoicing (v9-11)
The Word reflects my personal desire to be in God’s presence at all times, to be in the House of the Lord as often as I can and to revel in His presence. God’s presence and His kingdom descend upon us in His sacred space.
Whilst technology enables everyone to access church services from anywhere, I long for and prepare to meet with God every Sunday, and whenever I can. There is a privilege of being in a sacred space. A meaningful Chinese hymn expresses it as God’s honour and splendour covering me, so that I meet with God – 在祢殿中，与祢相遇。
However, meeting God is not merely about going to church. It is about living in God’s presence, and knowing that I encounter Him day by day, face to face, each time I surrender to His will, and humble myself to Him (James 4:10).
I also know that God is present each time I present a worthy item of worship, for He is the One most worthy of my worship.
God is present where my prayer is heard (2 Chron 7:14), where my confession is made, where His will in this season of my life is shown. God’s presence for me is a place of joy and delight (Psalm 67:1).
APPLY:
My journey of discipleship is more than going to church. It is a life of desiring God’s presence through surrender, through prayer, through worship, through service.
Desiring God, and being in His presence means that I am privileged to encounter a touch of heaven, a taste of the eternal life in this life, holding the hand of Jesus. As I take delight in the Lord (Psalm 37: 4-5), I am able to fully commit my way to God’s way.
DO:
I continue to pant for the Lord, to seek, and to find Him, in daily prayer, confession and supplication.
PRAY:
Dear Lord, I thank You for the privilege of seeing You, and for salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Give me the vision of Your holiness and Your shining face. This so that I may quench my thirst as I seek after You.
Day by Day
Dear Lord three things I pray
To see Thee more clearly
Love Thee more dearly
Follow Thee more nearly
Day by day
