Psalms 42-43

May 02, 2016 Monday Message:

“When can I go and meet with God?” Psalms 42:2b

The scene is a desert – hot, sandy, very dry. Psalm 42 is written for “local” people - everyone in the region would know about the desert. You and I are the “hart,” the male deer, strong and majestic in many ways, but panting for the lack of water, God.

This analogy was put forth by the Sons of Korah who lived and worked at the Temple. In fact, some of the Sons of Korah were gifted vocalists, so they were probably the ones authoring worship songs.

At the time, people expected to find the LORD in the Temple, but weren’t too sure about anywhere else. But the fact is, God is everywhere. You don’t have to go to Jerusalem to find God. In many manuscripts, Psalms 42 and 43 were one, and eventually the “hart” gets water from the Hermons, mountains north of Jerusalem, probably from the headwaters of the Jordan river.

Sometimes our lives can feel like a desert. Do you ever experience a “dry spell” from God? But if we could look in the window at our lives, we’d see that God was right where he’s always been. It was we who had turned away. The Good News is that it’s not too hard to turn back toward God. Now we know that we can find God everywhere: on the desert, in the mountains, in the Temple, in your quiet place and at your local church.

Jesus promised his followers “living water,” that they might never thirst again. He’s promising the Holy Spirit. (from John 7:37-39)

Norton Lawellin

Next Sunday is Mother’s Day, and the Sunday after that is Pentecost! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets every Sunday at 10 am in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This Sunday, May 8, 2016, Pastor Retha concludes Romans 8 as we celebrate Mother’s Day.