"Thirsting for God"

Book Two: Psalms 42 - 72, and we start off with this interesting Psalm which begs to ask that question we all need to seek out the answer for, each and every day, Where is God? and why am I feeling afraid? And then again, maybe there is some sort of a pattern here, because there are those moments like these, when you feel all alone, when you wonder within yourself, Why don't I feel His presence as I did before? or Why am I feeling as though God has left off guiding my life? These times usually follow after times of great victory or spiritual awakenings, as we experience a little taste of God's awesome power, and then life goes back to normal and we are thirsty for that experience again. The title above Psalm 42 in my bible is the title for today's blog; and without getting too carried away by titles, let me just say, this title is perfect for getting the right perspective on where we are with God, because He never leaves anywhere; God remains, because God is omnipresent and is everywhere, so it is all about our perspective and our feelings, not God's location. The introduction to this Psalm, which says, "To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah", is meant to be about instruction for those that sang perpetually in the temple, after the ark had rest (1 Chronicles 6:31). We must never get to that point in our life where we think we have arrived, or that we don't need anything else from God, as if we have achieved holiness or have come of age in our growing up in the Lord; not even if we are full time ministers before Him, we are never without a need for more of God in our lives. That said, we are also never to think that we are without God, because God is always with us; and because He is always with us, we are to have joy always, and in all things we are to rejoice. Some believe that the shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35, which says, "Jesus wept"; translated from the Greek, it might appear to be the shortest; but actually, the shortest verse in the Bible is actually found in 1 Thessalonians 5:16, which says, "Rejoice Evermore"; based upon the perspective we must have towards heaven, it is the joy of going to be there one day, compared to the misery of where we are today, the joy is everlasting. Are you without joy in your life? It is not because God has drawn away from you, it is because you have drawn away from Him, and you have quit "Thirsting for God"... "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)