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April 18th
Our Bible reading today is in the Psalms once again...17,35,54,63.
Early in our marriage and ministry, Bev and I led our church to serve in the Billy Graham Crusade in Houston, Texas. One of the highlights for me was a pastors’ meeting with Dr. Graham a few months before the Crusade began. Toward the end of that “day-long” conference, Billy invited “questions” concerning our daily pastoring of our churches.
One pastor asked Dr. Graham how he nourished himself spiritually. Without hesitation, the Preacher of the Gospel to the world said, “Quiet time with my Savior every day is my goal."
How do you fill that time, Dr. Graham? "I try reading 5 psalms...1 proverb...and 4 chapters in the gospels...inspiring me to prayer and praise for the happy and the hard days of my life...a proverb for daily wisdom...and a short walk with Jesus on His way to the cross.”
I believe that David was a "man after God’s own heart" because God drew him to His side...in prayer”.
And just how did God draw him?... Through trials and hardships...and “all” times of need.
Psalm 63 has the heat and smell of the furnace upon it. David was being tried in the furnace of unjust persecution. Our spiritual eyes and ears will recognize Jesus.
David said that he thirsted for God...where?...In a dry and thirsty land...the wilderness of Judah.
Wow...the the Jewish people have always called the promised land...”God’s land”...including the wilderness.
Makes sense...“David thirsted for God in a dry land”...because water would not have quenched his soul’s thirst...” only” God could.
Feel dry spiritually, friends? We say, “Been there and done that”. We dig wells ...we search for springs...we listen to every expert that’s out there.
But “Our thirst” is for God. We might have forgotten that in the midst our battles and our running to and fro. We may have missed the signs...”Jesus is the Way”. He says “come to me, you who thirst...I'll quench your thirst always!”
David said, “I thirst”. So did Jesus...on the cross. They both were certainly in positions to be thirsty for water...but Jesus knew better than anyone that only the Father had what he needed.
David prayed...Lord I have looked upon You in the sanctuary...beholding Your power and glory...my lips will praise you because your steadfast love is better than life. Yes, even in the wilderness dying of thirst...I will see your face one day...I will awaken...and be as You are.
This was David’s way of trusting God...” if this turns out bad...”I'll see you in heaven Lord...for into Your hands I commend my spirit.”
Thanks, David for inviting us into your quiet time.
And Jesus, thanks for the walk to the cross...all the way to heaven.
Have a great day
