Thirsting for God

Psalm 42:2

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

Have you ever thirsted for something? I’ve fasted from things during Lent before and for other reasons and other seasons. I have thirsted or hungered for those items as the fast continued. When we go without something for a period of time and we desire that something – we hunger or thirst for it.

Are you ready for the baseball season to start? Spring training is here and the Oriole fans are excited for an ever improving team (the playoffs this year!). We have some really good young players and some veterans too. In a way – those who love baseball – have a thirst for baseball. I know some people who are already counting down the days until College Football or the NFL returns (the draft is coming in the NFL). The Lamar watch is going on for the Ravens. What about thirsting for a Stanley Cup in DC again or an NBA crown again (just funning)?

If married – is there a yearning for your spouse when you are away from each other or a part for some time? I have a hard time being away from my spouse for even a day. Some day – when we both retire (don’t laugh – I know I’m supposed to be retired already and in a way I am) – we might get tired of being around each other so much – but until that time – I will continue to thirst for her company during the day! I text her several times a day to let her know I miss her (I know – a bit much).

Do we hunger and thirst after God? In today’s passage the Psalmist talks about thirsting for God. Here is today’s passage in partial context. Psalm 42:1–4 – ¹ As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. ²My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? ³My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” ⁴ These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng.

Lent 2022 – My Soul Thirsts for God

Psalm 42:2

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

Have you ever thirsted for something? I’ve fasted from things during Lent before and for other reasons and other seasons. I have thirsted or hungered for those items as the fast continued. When we go without something for a period of time and we desire that something – we hunger or thirst for it.

Are you ready for the baseball season to start? It finally gets underway today (the Orioles begin tomorrow). We’ve had some unusual seasons the last few years – and with the lockout and shortened spring training – we still aren’t going to have a normal season. In a way – those who love baseball – had a thirst for baseball. I know some people who are already counting down the days until College Football or the NFL returns (the draft is at hand in the NFL). What about thirsting for a Stanley Cup in DC again or an NBA crown again?

If married – is there a yearning for your spouse when you are away for some time? I have a hard time being away from my spouse for even a day (we both work outside the home when the pandemic allows and the time apart is not fun). Some day – when we both retire (don’t laugh – I know I’m supposed to be retired already and in a way I am)- we might get tired of being around each other so much – but until that time – I will continue to thirst for her company during the day! I text her several times a day to let her know I miss her (I know – a bit much).

Lent 2021 – My Soul Thirsts for God

Psalm 42:2

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

Have you ever thirsted for something? I’ve fasted from things during Lent before and for other reasons. I have thirsted or hungered for them. When we go without something for a period of time and we desire that something – we hunger or thirst for it.

Are you ready for the baseball season to start? We had a very short and unusual season last year because of the pandemic. In a way – those who love baseball – had a thirst for baseball. I know some people who are already counting down the days until College Football or the NFL returns (the free agent period is at hand in the NFL). What about thirsting for a Stanley Cup in DC again or an NBA crown again?

If married – is there a yearning for your spouse when you are away for some time? I have a hard time being away from my spouse for even a day (we both work outside the home when the pandemic allows and the time apart is not fun). Some day – when we both retire (and I’m 3 months away from mine)- we might get tired of being around each other so much – but until then – I will continue to thirst for her company during the day! I text her several times a day to let her know I miss her (I know – a bit much).

The Joy of the Lord

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Happiness is circumstantially driven – while Joy is spiritually derived. This is one of my favorite sayings. I believe I created it some 35 plus years ago. When I did a Google search for these words – the first and only post that matches is this devotional thought I posted online last year. I’ve used that phrase for 3-4 decades.

The meaning of the phrase is that things or circumstances make us Happy – but Joy comes from our relationship with Jesus. Happiness is temporary – while Joy is lasting – even eternal.

Living at Peace with Everyone

Hebrews 12:14

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy…

I know some families have issues during football season. Some couples I know root for opposing teams – like one will root for the Ravens while the other will root for the Steelers – or one will root for the Redskins while the other will root for the Cowboys. Football season is very interesting in those homes – especially when they play each other. Add to this the football widow or widower – where one spouse loves football and the other cannot stand it and you have tension in the home.

Last night in Bible study one of the brothers mentioned his wife’s support of the Capitals and his support for the Penguins and how there is usually tension in the home during hockey season – especially then they play each other. At least – he said – the Stanley Cup was in their home the last three years (2 for the Penguins and 1 for the Capitals)!