Longing for God: The Power of Gratitude
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound theme of gratitude and longing for God's presence, drawing inspiration from Psalm 42:1, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." We began by reflecting on the emotional depth of gratitude, recognizing that none of us deserve God's forgiveness, yet He willingly poured out His love for us. This gratitude should be a constant prayer in our lives, even when we face storms and challenges. We must command our souls to say "thank you" to God, even when it feels difficult.
We then delved into the imagery of a deer panting for water, which symbolizes our soul's deep longing for God, especially in times of spiritual dryness and separation. The psalmist, possibly King David or the sons of Korah, wrote this psalm during a period of exile, feeling distant from God's presence. This separation is something many of us can relate to, whether due to sin, depression, or life's hardships.
The psalmist's honest prayer from a place of discouragement teaches us the importance of being truthful with God about our struggles. Despite feeling separated from God, the psalmist continues to seek Him earnestly, remembering past experiences of God's presence and holding onto the hope of future encounters. This longing for God is not just about quenching our spiritual thirst but also about seeking protection and healing from life's adversities.
We learned that just as a deer positions itself near water for survival, we too must position ourselves near God, especially during dry seasons. This involves being part of a community of believers, engaging in worship, and immersing ourselves in God's Word. The psalmist's repeated self-encouragement to "put your hope in God" serves as a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, we must keep our eyes fixed on God, trusting that He will satisfy our souls.
### Key Takeaways
1. Gratitude as a Constant Prayer: Gratitude should be our most frequent prayer, even when life is challenging. By commanding our souls to say "thank you," we align our hearts with God's goodness, recognizing His unwavering love and sacrifice for us. This practice helps us shift our focus from our problems to the One who solves them. [47:10]
2. Longing for God's Presence: The imagery of a deer panting for water in Psalm 42:1 illustrates our soul's deep longing for God, especially in times of spiritual dryness. This longing is a natural response to feeling distant from God, and it drives us to seek Him earnestly, remembering past encounters and hoping for future ones. [56:02]
3. Honest Prayers in Times of Discouragement: The psalmist's honest prayer from a place of discouragement teaches us the importance of being truthful with God about our struggles. By expressing our pain and longing, we open ourselves to God's healing and comfort, even when we feel separated from His presence. [01:00:42]
4. Positioning Ourselves Near God: Just as a deer positions itself near water for survival, we must position ourselves near God, especially during dry seasons. This involves being part of a community of believers, engaging in worship, and immersing ourselves in God's Word, ensuring that we remain close to the source of our spiritual sustenance. [01:06:47]
5. Self-Encouragement and Hope: The psalmist's repeated self-encouragement to "put your hope in God" serves as a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, we must keep our eyes fixed on God. By doing so, we trust that He will satisfy our souls and provide the strength and hope we need to persevere. [01:27:45]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[45:37] - The Power of Gratitude
[47:10] - Commanding Our Souls to Say Thank You
[50:57] - Shifting Focus to the Miracle Worker
[53:14] - Signs of Change and Seasons
[55:05] - Psalm 42:1 - Longing for God
[56:02] - Misunderstanding the Psalm's Tone
[58:02] - The Author's Situation and Exile
[59:00] - Feeling Separated from God
[01:00:42] - Honest Prayers from a Discouraged Saint
[01:01:31] - Desperation for God's Presence
[01:02:17] - Remembering Past Encounters with God
[01:03:41] - The Enemy's Mockery
[01:04:29] - The Image of a Deer Panting for Water
[01:06:47] - Positioning Ourselves Near God
[01:07:38] - The Role of Water in a Deer's Life
[01:09:05] - The Enemy's Pursuit and God's Protection
[01:11:14] - Seeking God in Dry and Parched Lands
[01:13:03] - Proclaiming God's Love and Power
[01:14:52] - Future Satisfaction in God
[01:15:43] - Protection from the Enemy
[01:18:44] - Confusing the Enemy with God's Presence
[01:20:22] - Longing for God's Presence in Hard Times
[01:21:18] - Seeking Water When Injured
[01:23:23] - The Healing Power of Water
[01:27:45] - Self-Encouragement in Times of Pain
[01:32:08] - The Importance of Getting to the Water
[01:34:04] - Jesus, the Living Water
[01:35:08] - Invitation to Encounter the Lord
[01:37:11] - Jesus Quenches Our Thirst
[01:39:02] - Invitation to Come to the Water
[01:40:05] - Overcoming the Enemy's Pursuit
[01:42:19] - Fixing Our Eyes on God
[01:44:04] - Remembering God's Promise
[01:45:36] - Positioning Ourselves Near the Water
[01:46:32] - Closing and Farewell
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 42:1-11
- Psalm 63:1-4
- Matthew 5:6
#### Observation Questions
1. What imagery does the psalmist use in Psalm 42:1 to describe his longing for God? How does this imagery relate to the overall theme of the sermon? [55:05]
2. According to the sermon, what are some reasons the psalmist might feel separated from God? [59:00]
3. In Psalm 63:1-4, what does David express about his desire for God, and how does this reflect the psalmist's feelings in Psalm 42? [01:11:14]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of water in a deer's life, and how is this analogy used to explain our need for God's presence? [01:06:47]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is gratitude described as a powerful prayer in the sermon, and how does it help shift our focus from our problems to God? [47:10]
2. How does the psalmist's honest expression of discouragement in Psalm 42 teach us about being truthful with God in our prayers? [01:00:42]
3. What does it mean to "position ourselves near God" during dry seasons, according to the sermon? How can this be practically applied in our lives? [01:06:47]
4. The psalmist repeatedly encourages himself to "put your hope in God." How does this self-encouragement serve as a model for us in times of spiritual dryness or adversity? [01:27:45]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What were the circumstances, and how did you respond? How can you apply the psalmist's example of longing for God's presence in similar situations? [59:00]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of gratitude even in difficult times. What are some specific ways you can practice gratitude daily, especially when facing challenges? [47:10]
3. How can you be more honest with God about your struggles and discouragements in your prayers? What might change in your relationship with God if you were more transparent with Him? [01:00:42]
4. In what ways can you position yourself near God during spiritually dry seasons? Consider your involvement in community, worship, and Bible study. [01:06:47]
5. Think of a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed or discouraged. How can you practice self-encouragement and remind yourself to put your hope in God during such times? [01:27:45]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of remembering past encounters with God. How can you create a habit of recalling and reflecting on these moments to strengthen your faith? [01:02:17]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need God's protection or healing. How can you actively seek God's presence and support from your faith community in this area? [01:18:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Gratitude as a Spiritual Discipline
Gratitude should be our most frequent prayer, even when life is challenging. By commanding our souls to say "thank you," we align our hearts with God's goodness, recognizing His unwavering love and sacrifice for us. This practice helps us shift our focus from our problems to the One who solves them. When we face storms and challenges, it is essential to remember that gratitude is not just a feeling but a discipline that we must cultivate. By doing so, we acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from God, and we trust in His provision and care.
In moments of difficulty, it can be hard to find reasons to be thankful. However, by intentionally practicing gratitude, we can transform our perspective and experience God's peace and joy. This involves taking time each day to reflect on God's blessings and expressing our thanks to Him. As we do this, we will find that our hearts become more attuned to His presence, and our faith is strengthened. [47:10]
Psalm 100:4-5 (ESV): "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations."
Reflection: Think of three specific things you are grateful for today, even if they are small. How can you express your gratitude to God for these blessings?
Day 2: Longing for God's Presence
The imagery of a deer panting for water in Psalm 42:1 illustrates our soul's deep longing for God, especially in times of spiritual dryness. This longing is a natural response to feeling distant from God, and it drives us to seek Him earnestly, remembering past encounters and hoping for future ones. When we experience spiritual dryness, it is crucial to recognize that this longing is a sign of our need for God and His presence in our lives.
During these times, we must actively seek God through prayer, worship, and reading His Word. By doing so, we position ourselves to receive His grace and refreshment. It is also helpful to recall past experiences of God's presence and faithfulness, as these memories can provide hope and encouragement. As we continue to seek God, we can trust that He will meet us in our longing and satisfy our souls. [56:02]
Isaiah 55:1-2 (ESV): "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps can you take today to seek His presence and draw closer to Him?
Day 3: Honest Prayers in Times of Discouragement
The psalmist's honest prayer from a place of discouragement teaches us the importance of being truthful with God about our struggles. By expressing our pain and longing, we open ourselves to God's healing and comfort, even when we feel separated from His presence. It is essential to remember that God welcomes our honesty and desires for us to come to Him with our burdens.
When we pray honestly, we acknowledge our dependence on God and invite Him into our struggles. This act of vulnerability allows us to experience His grace and strength in new ways. As we pour out our hearts to God, we can trust that He hears us and is working for our good, even when we cannot see it. [01:00:42]
Psalm 34:17-18 (ESV): "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: What is one specific struggle or burden you are facing right now? Take a moment to honestly share it with God in prayer, trusting that He hears you and cares for you.
Day 4: Positioning Ourselves Near God
Just as a deer positions itself near water for survival, we must position ourselves near God, especially during dry seasons. This involves being part of a community of believers, engaging in worship, and immersing ourselves in God's Word, ensuring that we remain close to the source of our spiritual sustenance. By staying connected to God and His people, we can receive the support and encouragement we need to persevere through difficult times.
Being part of a faith community provides us with opportunities to grow in our relationship with God and others. It allows us to share our burdens, celebrate our victories, and receive wisdom and guidance. Additionally, engaging in regular worship and Bible study helps us to stay grounded in God's truth and experience His presence in our lives. [01:06:47]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you intentionally position yourself near God this week? Consider joining a small group, attending a worship service, or setting aside time for personal Bible study.
Day 5: Self-Encouragement and Hope
The psalmist's repeated self-encouragement to "put your hope in God" serves as a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, we must keep our eyes fixed on God. By doing so, we trust that He will satisfy our souls and provide the strength and hope we need to persevere. It is important to speak truth to ourselves and remind our hearts of God's promises and faithfulness.
In times of despair, it can be easy to lose sight of God's goodness and feel overwhelmed by our circumstances. However, by intentionally focusing on God's character and His past faithfulness, we can find hope and encouragement. This practice of self-encouragement helps us to maintain our faith and trust in God, even when we cannot see the way forward. [01:27:45]
Lamentations 3:21-23 (ESV): "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: What is one promise of God that you can hold onto today? Write it down and remind yourself of it throughout the day, especially during challenging moments.
Quotes
1. "You may not feel like your thank you is fit for a king this morning, but I can tell you this morning that he longs to hear your thank you. That he longs to hear your gratitude. That he longs to hear your hallelujah. So even if it's difficult in the circumstance, the situation that you're going through this morning, can we just for one more moment, lift up our hands and give him our gratitude." [47:10] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Help us to take our eyes off of our problem and simply put them on the problem solver. Help us to take our eyes off of our need for a miracle and help us to place them on the miracle worker. Help us to take our eyes off of that situation that we're in and help us to focus on the promise keeper. So Lord, we speak to our soul. We speak to our very being. And even when we don't feel like it, help that lion inside of us begin to roar, simply saying, thank you, Lord." [50:57] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Have you ever gone through a situation in your life that made you feel separated from God? That made God's presence, that His presence feel distant from where you were at in that moment in your life? It may be a temptation of sin that's caused you to wander away from God. It may be the enemy of depression that's chased you away from going to God and His word and prayer and worship. It may be a situation in your life, a financial hardship or a marital struggle that's caused you to wander away from God." [59:00] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I want to tell you this morning, it's easy for us to allow the situations that we go through in life to make us feel separated from God. To make us feel distant from God's presence. In my studies, one writer described Psalm chapter 42 as he was describing the mood of this psalm as an honest prayer from a discouraged saint. An honest prayer from a discouraged saint. I want to tell you there's times in my life where if I had to be honest, I was a discouraged saint." [01:00:42] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The author is saying, In this foreign land that I'm in, even when I can't see the streams of water, even when I don't feel the presence of God, even when I don't feel like my thirst is being quenched, even when I don't feel your presence, God, even when the enemy is trying to convince me that you have forsaken me, God, I'm still longing for you. God, my eyes are still fixed on you. God, I'm still looking for the stream of water in my life. I'm desperate for you. I'm panting for you." [01:11:14] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When the enemy has chased me away from the presence of God, and I don't feel your presence, I proclaim that you are God. Even when I don't feel your presence, even when I can't feel you, even when I can't see you, even when my life is falling apart, I still proclaim that you are God. And earnestly, I seek you. Earnestly, I look for the rivers of water once again. I thirst for you." [01:12:29] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The psalmist says this, as the deer pants for streams of water, you feel like the enemy is pursuing you. Attack after attack after attack has come against you. Your family has fallen apart. You're facing a financial crisis. Temptation is bearing down its ugly soul on you. The predator of... The predator of depression has been pursuing you, and you're panting, and you're looking for a refuge. God is saying, if you can just get to the water, I can hide you, I can cover you, I can protect you, I can confuse the enemy that's trying to destroy your life." [01:18:44] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Each time that the psalmist revealed an injury to us. Each time he panted. Exposing his weakness. Exposing his pain. Exposing the distance that he felt from God. Each time that he uncovered his pain. In the very next verse. It says. It seemed like he gave a pep talk to himself. With every highlighted verse that I highlighted. Where he exposed his pain. The very next verse. He was speaking to his soul. Giving himself a pep talk. Encouraging his soul." [01:27:06] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When the situations. That I've faced in my life. Or the sin that I've allowed. To come into my life. Has exposed my pain. It's exposed my energy. God help me to pant for you. In a way that is saying. I'm going to remind myself. That even where I'm at right now. If I can just get. the water. You can quench. thirst." [01:33:21] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I want to tell you this morning. That Jesus says. That blessed are those. Who hunger. And thirst for righteousness. they will. Be filled. Your thirst. Will be quenched. The enemy will be confused. By the covering. Of the water. When you allow Jesus. To pour his blood over your life. And there's an invitation. Here this morning. That says in the middle of that foreign land. Where you don't feel God's presence. Like you used to. That Jesus is saying. Oh come. To the water." [01:37:11] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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