September 15- Psalm 42:1

THE VERSE

As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.
~Psalm 42:1

THE THOUGHT

As the deer for streams of water
Pants my heart, O Lord, for Thee
For the ever-flowing river
Living water come to me

Thirsty for a satisfaction
Which evades these cisterns poor
Worldly comforts dry and broken
Drive me to Thy fountain, Lord

Tears have been my only portion,
Salty streams from barren heart;
Grief and bondage, dust and ashes
Will such idols e’er impart

Yet in Thy river grace abundant
For this chief of sinners gives
Pardon for my earthly lusting
All my cisterns You forgive

So bring my longing to the Source,
The fountainhead of life divine:
The cross, where multitudinous mercy
Makes Thy glory ever mine

THE PRAYER

Jesus, Thank you for the cross, where Your mercy opened for me the fountain of life. Thank you for Your great grace, for forgiving all of my idolatrous longings, and giving me Yourself as the highest good and the greatest satisfaction. Holy Spirit, spring up within my heart with rivers of living water, satisfying my thirst and spreading to those around me.

EXTENDED READING

Psalm 42:1-8
Jeremiah 2:11-13
John 7:37-39

THE QUOTE

"Father, I am empty, but you are full.  I am hungry, but you are the Bread of Heaven.  I am thirsty, but you are the Fountain of life.  I am weak, but you are strong.  I am poor, but you are rich.  I am foolish, but you are wise.  I am broken, but you are whole.  I am dying, but your steadfast love is better than life."  ~John Piper