How To Thirst For God

We need to remind ourselves that God will solve our problems just as we know that the sun will come up in the morning. Psalm 130:5--6 I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope. My soul waits for the Lord More than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning. (NAU)

► Vs.4 C. Relive the joy of worshiping God "joy and thanksgiving"

There is a special joy when we worship God with others who love Him too.

"If you have no joy in your religion, there's a leak in your Christianity somewhere.--Billy Sunday" "Holy joy will beautify you."--Charles Spurgeon [3]

Can you remember times when you could feel the presence of God? Think back on those times. It is so easy to remember the tough times, that we need to put real effort into remembering the good times.

Psalm 95:1--2 O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. (NAU)

►Vs.5-6,11 III. Sort Out What is Really Important

► Vs.5a,11a A. Ask yourself what is wrong "Why are you in despair, O my soul?"

We are all experts at listening to our own thoughts. We should all perfect the art of talking to ourselves (which is best done alone so others don't think you have lost it!).

By asking ourselves what is really bothering us, we are better able to identify what needs to happen next. Discouragement tends to hang over us like a dark cloud that we can't easily define.

► Vs.5b,11b B. Expect God to help you "Hope in God"

Psalm 32:7 You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah. (NAU)

Psalm 62:5--6 My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. (NAU)

► Vs.6 C. Remember that God is not limited "Jordan...Hermon...Mizar"

It helps to remember how God has been faithful to His promises in the past.

"the land of Jordan" is an interesting phrase because Jordan is a river, not a land. This probably refers back to the time the Lord made the Jordan dry land for the Jews to cross over into Canaan. This pictures the power of God to deliver what He promises.

" Hermon" is the most northern place conquered by Israel. This would picture the extent of the victories provided by God.

"Hermon was regarded as a sacred place by the Canaanites who inhabited the land before the Israelites . Snow covers the mountain during most of the year. Patches of snow remain even through the summer in shaded ravines. The beautiful snow-covered peaks of Mount Hermon can be seen from the region of the Dead Sea, over 196 kilometers (120 miles) distant. The glaciers of Mount Hermon are the major source of the Jordan River, and water from its slopes ultimately flows into the Dead Sea." [4]

"mount Mizar" This may be the name of a mountain east of the Jordan river that would be in the same mountain range of Mt. Sinai where Moses received the Ten Commandments.