As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after thee… The words of the Psalmist indicate his deep longing for the LORD in his life. For the psalmist, God and God alone can quench that thirst, that longing, that deep desire to make him whole – complete. Many experience an emptiness inside – yes even preachers – and we seek to fill it with other things, experiences and relationships. All of us, however, are designed with a space that only our creator can fill. Today, Shepastor presents a message by Minister Kathryn R. Johnson, Associate Minister, Covenant Baptist Church that explores the connection between the empty space, the depth of our love for God and the outpouring of Love God has towards us. Read on and be blessed…
Psalm 42: 1-2
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
Isaiah 44:1-4
Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen:
2Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. 3For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: 4And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.
Minister Kathryn R. Johnson
Covenant Baptist Church
Sermon Text: Psalm 42:1-2, Isaiah 44:1-4
Sermon: “How deep is your Love?”
Our sermon text taken from Psalm 42:1-2 and Isaiah 44:3-4 both focus on quenching dry unbearable thirst. In Psalm 42, the Sons of Korah are panting for God’s presence to fill their very souls. They are “soul-empty,” filled with tears and sorrow; panting, hungering, yearning for God to fill their void with His living water.
Conversely, in Isaiah 44:3-4, we see God promising to provide Israel with streams of water for a thirsty land; symbolic for God’s anointing and refreshing of the souls of His servant Israel. The refreshing, anointing comes with a promise and blessing that Israel’s descendants will blossom like the spring grass in a meadow, and like poplar trees flourishing by streams of water.
As we think about the power of God’s living water to refresh and uplift us, we ponder how in the midst of our personal storms, we are able to stand. We think about how palm trees and the cedars are able to weather devastation that ruins others. It’s all about the depth of the roots.
Just like God provides thirst quenching nourishment through the deep roots of the palms the enduring strength of the cedars, He quenches our thirst with His Holy Spirit. God’s love doesn’t fall on us drip by drip, rather it gushes over us, floods us like a deluge, breaks over us like waves of water and is stored up in the reservoirs of our souls where we can draw from it constantly.
God’s love is not just for times of crisis. God’s love is what gives us the peace that passes all understanding; makes us see the beauty of the morning, enjoy the songs of the birds, and gaze upon the stars at night. It is God’s love that gives us contentment and hope.
We know the depth of God’s love is immeasurable; here’s the question: How deep is your love for God? Can we stay rooted and grounded in God’s love; drinking from the wellspring of life? Are we constantly absorbing the living water Jesus promised, drinking in God’s love and faithfulness? When you get knocked down; test your depth level. How many fathoms deep into God’s love are you? Are our roots deep enough in God’s Word to tap into His love during the dry arid times of our lives; during our Tsunamis?
There is no top, bottom or sides to God’s love; it is immeasurable, infinite, and limitless. The reservoir will never run dry. Do you make daily withdrawals drawing from the bank of the Word of God; constantly filling your souls with God’s love until you’re filled to overflowing?
Do you respond to Jesus’ request for water by?
1. Believing God is who He says He is – Eternal love
2. Praying –Having a conversation with Him. Letting him know how you feel, what you need, asking for His direction, thanking Him for all his bountiful blessings
3. Praising – Lifting His name on high, praising Him for being God all by Himself
4. Witnessing – Loving God by telling others about the love of Jesus Christ? Are you witnessing by letting your light shine so that others can see the light of the Lord in you?
How deep is our love for God Saints? God desires our love, he doesn’t need it, but he desires it. God loves us with an eternal, everlasting agape love. Is our love for God deep enough to respond to Jesus’ request for water with “Yes Lord”? End of Sermon
When’s the last time you checked your depth level of love for the LORD? When’s the last time the “depths of life” have “checked” you? How are you manifesting that love in your daily walk? Thank you Minister Kathy for challenging us to reflect upon our lives and revisit our root systems.
Has your love for the Lord been challenged? Have your roots been deepened by life experiences? What words of wisdom would you share with someone who may be wrestling with issues of thirst and emptiness in their lives?
Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com
Until Next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris
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