Grace Notes – Gracious Yearning
“O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly;
My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water.”
Psalm 63:1 NASB
Grace Perspective:
Yearning…longing…pining…a need so strong that it’s like seeking water in a desert. David wrote these words while in the wilderness, far from the Tabernacle, where he used to worship. Many scholars believe David wrote this Psalm when he was hiding from King Saul, who sought to kill him, or perhaps when he was running from his son Absalom, who was trying to kill him. Either way, David couldn’t worship God in a familiar place; he chose to seek God where he was.
David acknowledged that God was his God, the One who satisfied his thirst and the deepest needs of David’s soul. Though he was in a literal desert, a place devoid of life and sustenance, unsure of what each day would bring, David was devoted to seeking God earnestly, knowing that He alone would satisfy the deep thirst that was in his soul. David trusted that God would fulfill his deep thirst even in a dry and weary land, a metaphor for the spiritual desolation and emptiness we often experience.
A Touch of Grace:
What do you seek earnestly?
What do you yearn for deep in your soul?
Grace Application:
Yearning is an intense longing for something. We all long for something, but will the ‘something’ truly satisfy our souls? The world tries to convince us that we need objects, the approval of others, recognition of our abilities and relationships…, so much to be truly satisfied. But does it calm the longings or make us desire more? At what point are the yearnings of our soul satisfied? The world’s offerings are like a mirage in the desert, promising satisfaction but leaving us even thirstier.
David had experienced enough in life to know that God alone can satisfy the deepest longing in our souls. Life often leaves us thirsty, weary, and wanting more. God offers us living water through His Son, Christ Jesus, to satisfy our thirst and bring life to our weary souls. Seeking God is vital because the world will drain and leave us dissatisfied. But Christ is ready to give us living water that satisfies our deepest longings.
Drawing close to God and remembering the Lord’s goodness refreshes our souls. We are refreshed as we worship God wherever we are and thank Him for His mercy, grace, and steadfast love. Remember, even in a desert wilderness, God is with you. His presence is like an oasis amid the dryness. Seek Him, and He will be found; He alone can satisfy the deepest yearning in your soul.
In His Grace,
Dawn
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, thankful that You are my God. My soul yearns for you and longs for the living water that only Christ provides. Forgive me when I seek to be satisfied apart from you, looking to the things of the world to fill that place in my soul that only You can satisfy. Father, help me to seek You more in this dry and weary land. Amen
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so your doubt is erased. Today is a good day to rest in Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com*