“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. “ (Psalms 42:1,2)

This is one of the most touching and beautiful of all of the Psalms. A favorite hymn has been written with the first verse of the Psalm. 

The imagery is of a young stag crying for water in a hot country in time of drought.  The Psalmist compares himself to this deer.  He is in a dry and thirsty land panting for God.  “My soul thirsts for God, the living God.” (vs. 2)  Jehovah God is the only living God, and the sole source of spiritual life.  All other gods are imposters.

The Psalmist acknowledges that only the living God can satisfy the cravings of the human spirit.  Worldly men thirst for riches, honor, and power.  Yet, these never satisfy.  Some may suppress such cravings until they are no longer felt.  But, such numbness is not to be confused with satisfaction.  If I go on a hunger strike, I am told the time comes when I will no longer desire the food.  Yet, for all of that I will still be a starving man.  Thus, man may absolve himself from God, but deep down his need for God remains. 

The longer I live in this old world the more I appreciate the value of fellowship with God.  Only Jehovah satisfies, only God is the source of genuine joy!  So sing it my brother!  “I want you more than gold or silver.  Only you can satisfy.  You alone are the real joy giver and apple of my eye”.

By George Slover

"​I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me,and let us exalt his name together!" (Psalms 34:1-3)

Times of stress can be used to remind God’s disciples of who God is and how much he means to them. When one weighs the blessings that come from God, the trials become light in comparison. Sorrowful prayer turns to thanksgiving and praise.

David, the sweet Psalmist, calls us to express our feelings about God. To “bless” means to salute, or bend the knee. To “boast” is to shout or shine or celebrate. To “magnify” means to promote or to make great. Such thoughts not only spring from duty, but privilege. Our sense of God's goodness should never die.

We are called to continual praise of God. Praise and adoration springs from one’s contemplation of God. When gazing at his creation we will surely marvel at his infinite power. Each day his providence reminds us of his wisdom. An anticipation of heaven should cause us to ponder God’s grace. We are surrounded by reasons to praise.

Apparently David has experienced various afflictions. He acknowledges his fears (vs.4). There are times when the righteous are brokenhearted and crushed (vs.18). They face numerous afflictions (vs. 19).  Through it all He exalts the goodness of God (vs.8). David is determined to make his boast in God's goodness and grace.

Such worship of God is the noblest of man's activities. Such praise hallows our enjoyment of him.  It can turn the night to day, and lift our hearts toward heaven.

In your busy day do not forget the mercies of God. Let your heart be filled with gratefulness. Do not allow your worship to be just an impulse, but resolve that you will praise him at all times.

By George Slover

"The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16)

In these verses Matthew records the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Matthew specifically notes that the Lord was fulfilling prophecy Isaiah had spoken of 750 years before. 

This prophecy specifically details geographically the place where this ministry was to begin. (vs.15)  The immediate reference is to the inhabitants of Northern Palestine. Isaiah tells us these people sit in a spiritual stupor, content with their deplorable  spiritual condition.

The darkness is a picture of spiritual ignorance and superstition. It represents the dismal moral condition of most of the world. It is a symbol of the kingdom and power of Satan. (Acts 26:18) This miserable state is pictured as the region and shadow of death.

To dispel this darkness the light has dawned. He is the Messiah that has been spoken of and sought after for centuries. Many would welcome him. However, others would reject him because he did not fit their theology.

The light of Christ provides correct information concerning our life on earth. The light of Christ offers peace and joy and hope. Christ is able to perfect us in holiness and point us toward an eternal home.

There is no limit to the penetrating power of light. The light of Christ is able to reach the darkest places of man. Christ can touch the hearts of men and women of every nation and social status. He is to be heralded in the prisons, homes, churches, and streets of the world!