- Thirsting for More and Deeper Communion

Background Scripture: Psalm 42; 63
Lesson Scripture: Psalm 42:1–8; 63:1–5

Introduction

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Rev. 3:20). The Lord is giving this beautiful invitation to everyone; all who desire to have a deeper communion with Him are welcome. The fountain of life is accessible to any thirsty soul as expressed in Revelation 22:17: “And the Spirit and bride say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” May the study of this lesson promote in each of us a sincere desire for a close relationship with our Lord.

Key Verse

Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it (Num. 21:17).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Bible commentators differ as to who wrote Psalm 42 as well as when it was written. However, we are certain it was composed by the inspiration of God and know it has blessed many sincere people since the time it was written, and we are assured it will continue to do so as long as time continues. Because the title says it was given as instructions to the sons of Korah, Adam Clarke believes it was composed by an eminent person descended from Korah during the Babylonian captivity and that it was for the consolation of his posterity. Psalm 44 has the same title as Psalm 42, with verse 11 stating, “Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen.” Matthew Henry and some other commentators believe Psalm 42 is an expression of David in his vehement desire for God while he was far away from the courts of God’s house, fleeing for his life. He could have been running from Saul either before he was king or later, when he fled from his son Absalom. We remember the time when David had a great longing for the water of Bethlehem’s well—the longing expressed in Psalm 42 is even greater as he compares it to a deer that is dry and thirsty. This denoted his earnest desire to have communion with God.

Some people may think God’s children should be exempt from the effects of life’s troubles and difficulties. When difficult and unpleasant things happen to us, they may ask us, “Where is your God?” Or as the German Bible says, “Where is your God now?” Satan can also tempt us to wonder how we can maintain a steadfast faith in times of trouble. Sometimes God can teach us more effectively of His mercies when we find ourselves in unfortunate situations.

The title of Psalm 63 tells us clearly that it was penned by David in the wilderness of Judah. In the first verse, David expresses deep faith when he says, “O God, thou art my God.” Even though he was far removed from the tabernacle in Jerusalem, his soul was satisfied, and he could praise God and see His power and glory just like he had seen it in God’s sanctuary.

Practical Truths for Today

Though the two psalms that we study today are found in the Old Testament, they are expressions of faith and hope. Although the Holy Spirit had not yet been poured out like it was on the day of Pentecost, there were inspired prophets and holy men who were obedient to what they understood. They believed the promise that God would one day send His Son into the world to redeem fallen man. Peter speaks of them when he says, “Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into” (1 Pet. 1:11–12).

The prophet Isaiah recognized the perpetual thirst of man’s soul and gave a beautiful invitation when he wrote, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” (Isa. 55:1). This is a prophecy of Christ who would come to satisfy man’s perennial thirst for security.

Paul, referring to the children of Israel, writes that they “did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness” (1 Cor. 10:4–5). They perished in the wilderness because “the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Heb. 4:2). After they witnessed the many miracles of God’s deliverance and experienced His daily provision, they died in the wilderness because of their unbelief. Unbelief strangles communion with God.

So how do we maintain a steadfast faith? What brings us to believe that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear, and that truly all things work together for good to them that love Him? By the grace of God and an act of our will, we can come to believe and accept what James says: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2–4).

Without this faith we cannot drink of the living water that Jesus described to the Samaritan woman when He said, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). This is the water that truly satisfies and brings us into a meaningful communion with our Lord.

We live in a world that offers us many things to quench our thirst. This offering includes wealth, fleshly pleasure, popularity, and power. The things of this world draw us away from God and cannot satisfy the thirst of the inner man. They leave a void in our lives that only God can truly fill.

Toward the end of His ministry, Jesus gave this invitation: “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified)” (John 7:37–39). The Holy Spirit is promised to all who are truly born again, and He will guide them into all truth. As we are obedient, the Holy Spirit leads us into ever deeper and more fulfilling communion with Him.

Illustration

A brother found himself in a serious financial situation. He had purchased his farm and home when prices were high. He felt he had done this with good counsel and God’s leading. For years things went quite well and according to plan. But the time came when there was a significant change in the economy, and land prices began to plunge. There were also a few dry years when his crops did not yield well, and his debt load increased greatly. The time came when he owed more than he was worth. This became a real burden to him, and he wondered why God had allowed this to happen. He became bitter and offended because he needed to hold a full-time job in addition to his farm work.

He remembers the time well when, in deep communion with the Lord, he gave his farm back to Him. His debt load did not change, but his heart did. He realized it was no longer only his problem. Now he was thankful that the Lord had blessed him with good health, enabling him to work hard. He would do the best he could, but the farm was the Lord’s. If the Lord wanted him to keep the farm, He would provide, and if not, He would provide something else. He remembers how each day that summer was special. When the work was caught up, he and his wife would take walks in the evening and smell the honeysuckle. He had truly sought for true riches and had found true joy.

Questions

1. What are ways to inspire a greater thirst for the things of God?
2. When we are in a trial, how can we know and be convinced that God cares?
3. How do we answer the critic who asks, “Where is your God now?”
4. How much of the world can we enjoy before our thirst for the things of God is neutralized?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).